Azarenka skips Stuttgart event to get Covid-19 vaccine

Two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka says she has pulled out of next week’s WTA 500 event in Stuttgart as it coincides with her scheduled COVID-19 vaccination.

“I will unfortunately not be able to compete in Stuttgart … next week as I will be receiving my first dosis (sic) of the vaccine at the same time,” the Belarusian world No 15 said on Twitter.

• How Katsina villagers killed 30 bandits
• 10-month pay delay threatens border security operations

While both the ATP and WTA tours have encouraged athletes to accept vaccine shots when available some of the top players expressed a reluctance to get vaccinated at the recent Miami Open.