Victoria Azarenka says there is an irony concerning the Australian Open and its pledge to be more sustainable with the use of recyclable water bottles.
The 18th seed argues that the objective of the tournament is being hindered by the selling of plastic bottles at the Grand Slam. Azarenka spoke about the matter following her opening match at Melbourne Park where she beat Camila Giorgi 6-1, 4-6, 6-3, in what was a roller-coaster encounter. She now leads their head-to-head 3-2.
“We have water bottles that are recyclable, but then we have plastic everywhere around. What are we actually doing?” She commented during her press conference.
“It’s like one step we’re trying to take to absolute sustainability but you’re selling plastic all over the stadium. And those big bottles, I don’t know how much I have to drink. So to me, it’s confusing.’
“If we are going to do something important as try to be sustainable, okay, let’s actually do that. But if you look at all the things around, we have chocolate individual wrappers all over the stadium. What are we doing?”
Azarenka’s remarks were prompted by a question concerning a new rule change implemented at this year’s tournament. Organisers are trailing a system where fans are free to move after each game instead of being expected to remain in their position until there is a change of sides in a match. Supporters say that the relaxation of this rule could help attract a younger audience to the sport.
The world No.22 was unaware of the new policy before taking to the court on Thursday. Earlier this week Djokovic said he had a ‘divided’ opinion about the initiative. However, Azarenka has taken a less diplomatic view on it.
“I feel like we keep making some rules that make no sense at times. Like we’re trying to shorten the changeovers, then we are waiting for people to sit down.” She said.
“Of course, we can try to play with people moving, but it is distracting. Just the back part (of the court). On the side, I don’t care that much. But especially on the back when somebody’s serving, it can be quite distracting.’
“There are some rules that I don’t understand why we just won’t make it one and a half minutes so people actually have time to get in.”
Azarenka is a veteran of the Tour with this month marking the 18th anniversary of when she made her Grand Slam debut at the 2006 Australian Open. She is one of eight mums in this year’s draw and won 21 WTA titles so far in her career.
She will play Denmark’s Clara Tauson in the next round.
