At the US Open on Friday, Victoria Azarenka said that young athletes must be protected at all costs from sexual abuse. She admitted that the old male coaches do abuse young female tennis players sexually. The 33-year-old highlighted the importance of putting an end to such cases. Pierre Bouteyre, the former coach of the French player Fiona Ferro was charged on Friday in France for raping her between 2012 and 2015.
On the back of this, the Belarusian tennis player has opined on the safety of the young players. Azarenka is a part of the WTA council for the prevention of abuse and felt bad for Fiona Ferro. The former backed the latter and hoped for her comeback in the sport following her poor performances of late.
“We see those vulnerable young ladies that (are) getting taken advantage of in different situations. It’s really sad and really makes me emotional. If I had a daughter, I would have a question would she want to play tennis, that would be a very big concern in that way for me,” she said.
I hope this situation she’s gonna come out of it stronger: Victoria Azarenka
The Belarusian tennis star backed the French player and said that she must come out of the haunting incident. Although Ferro has remained composed on the issue, it will be crucial for the player to continue playing Tennis.
“I hope this situation she’s gonna come out of it stronger and tennis is not ruined for her because of that,” she said. The 33-year-old further requested the journalists to report wisely and said that they must also play a part in preventing such issues.
“Do the research, help people to open up more. Hopefully one by one try to eliminate those types of situations,” she added further. Iga Swiatek, the world number one hoped for some action from the WTA Players Council if such a situation arises.
“I hope that if something like that happens, we’re going to kind of be safe and have trust in WTA that they’re going to take care of this stuff properly. I’m sure they’re doing that,” Swiatek said.
