Victoria Azarenka lost her cool during a defeat to Qinwen Zheng at Indian Wells.
The Belarusian entered the tournament trying to become the first woman to win it three times, just like defending champion Iga Swiatek.
Azarenka came close in 2021, but came up short in a thrilling three-set final against Spain’s Paula Badosa.
The 34-year-old’s quest for Indian Wells glory in 2025 came to an end courtesy of the Olympic champion Zheng, but not without some controversy.
Tennis fans react to Victoria Azarenka’s rant at Indian Wells
After winning her opening Indian Wells match, Azarenka set up a second round match against Zheng, who was playing just her fifth match of the season.
The Chinese number one took the first set and with the score locked at 4-4, 30-30 in set two, she lobbed Azarenka who attacked the net, and the ball was called in.
Convinced the ball was out, Azarenka was furious and proceeded to tell the umpire: “This is bulls**t. What is video review for? It’s a clear mark.”
Unable to request a challenge due to the electronic line calling, the two-time Grand Slam champion fumed: “it’s just a sh*tty f****** system.” The umpire then gave Azarenka a code violation for her use of profane language.
Tennis fans could not understand Azarenka’s reaction, as this fan on X wrote: “It’s an electronic call, why did she protest it?”
Another fan said: “What did she think this little outburst would do,” while this user posted: “The ball is in. Just get over it. B******g about it won’t change the outcome.”
Other fans reacted to the incident as this person said: “Clearly on the line Vika”, and this fan added: “That was clearly in. I was expecting something outrageous.”
Qinwen Zheng snaps three-match losing streak at Indian Wells
Zheng has had a difficult start to her 2025 season, as she entered Indian Wells on a three-match losing streak.
She also had just one match win this season, which came back at the Australian Open, but Zheng is up and running at Indian Wells.
The World number nine looked more like the player who won the Olympic gold medal in Paris with her 6-3, 6-4 victory against the two-time Indian Wells winner.
“It’s not easy. I came to Indian Wells three times but it’s my first time in the third round,” she said post-match. “Also my first time beating Azarenka. Such a great player. I’m really happy.”
“It’s really tough to face her. She beat me twice when I was 19 and 21 years old. Just really happy to get this match. Thanks for all the crowd who came to support tonight.”
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