The scene surprised everyone on the Grandstand: trailing 6-2, 3-0, the Belarusian, visibly very frustrated, spoke a few words to the referee, who then understood that she wanted to seek a physio.
But, in the process, Azarenka took her things and left, recording her defeat and the qualification of her opponent.
Former winner of the tournament in 2009, 2011 and 2016, the 16th player in the world seems to be going through a difficult period.
In Indian Wells two weeks ago, she inexplicably broke down in tears during her match against Kazakh Elena Rybakina, but ended it with a 6-3, 6-4 loss.
For Fruhvirtova, sensation of the Florida tournament, the adventure continues.
In the next round, she will be opposed to one of the favorites of the event, the Spaniard Paula Badosa (6th).
© 2022 AFP