🎙️ Vika on the unbelievably shit tennis media "I told one journalist 'all you do is clickbait'. Of course he knew what I meant, he doesn't come to my press conferences anymore. There's a lot of really bad journalists. No research. Some just like to make it about themselves."
VIDEO: Azarenka takes aim at tennis media: "There's a lot of really bad journalists, some just like to make it about themselves"
WTAFriday, 14 July 2023 at 13:45
Victoria Azarenka was the latest guest on Up Front with Simon Jordan, a podcast series from William Hill delving into the careers of prevalent sporting stars.
Azarenka in the over one hour conversation with the former Crystal Palace chairman and focal point of TalkSport with Jim White touched upon journalists and the media in tennis.
It has been called into question during Wimbledon with Paula Badosa asked questions as if she won when she retired, as well as Iga Swiatek asked if Elina Svitolina was an honorary Brit.
As well as even Azarenka with one journalist perceiving that she was Russian and she cited one example of a journalist where she told them straight and they no longer attend her press conferences.
The former World No.1 admits that while she respects the media, certain journalists come in with a pre conceived notion and an angle already in their head.
"I told one journalist who is on the tennis tour, I said 'all you do is clickbait'. He said that's not how I use this phrase. Of course he knew what I meant, he doesn't come to my press conferences anymore," said Azarenka.
"I always respect the journalists and I think it's an incredible job but there's a lot of really bad journalists. The ones that do no research, no background. They don't really investigate the story and some just like to make it about themselves.
"I think the bad journalists is when they come with already pre written piece. I think you've already made your mind up, you've not asked my opinion. It's more about I know what I want to write, I just need a quote from you."
"I had to learn that media is an important part of the job. It can be difficult but drives the business, helps your name. It is helpful. So you have to deal with both sides.
"You can ask questions, just ask with respect. We are all human beings."
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Who is making up these rankings btw?
AceOfBase23-11-2024 - Paolini remarkably low. Must have won tons of matches against lower ranked players. Kind of like these rankings. Seem to be more fair.MrAndreeva23-11-2024
- Why does Tennisuptodate feel like her PR Department's constant deluge of daily/weekly media submissions are 'tennis news' ?
mandoist19-11-2024 - 'Apologies', in cases like this where people are caught being their True Selves, are best shoved up their butts.mandoist19-11-2024
- Paolini playing Swiatek and then has to come back an hour later to play doubles. The BJ Cup is like the rest of tennis entrepreneurs.PalopoDave18-11-2024
