Victoria Azarenka calls for women players to have greater protection after latest abuse controversy

Former world No 1 Victoria Azarenka has called for women players to have greater protection after another abuse controversy hit tennis.

As a member of the WTA Player Council, Azarenka says new measures are needed in the wake of charges being laid against the former coach of Fiona Ferro, who alleges that her one-time mentor Pierre Bouteyre raped and assaulted her as a teenager. 

‘It happens right and left on the tour, which is unfortunate,’ said Azarenka.

‘Our job is to be better at safeguarding. As the Player Council, it’s almost like the No 1 subject to us.

‘Because we see those vulnerable young ladies who are getting taken advantage of in different situations.

Azarenka says new measures are needed following charges being laid against the former coach of Fiona Ferro

‘The recent story with Fiona that came out, I don’t know how to put it in words sometimes. I applaud her for being brave. I hope this situation she’s in, she’s going to come out of it stronger and tennis is not ruined for her because of that.’

Legal proceedings are underway in France against Bouteyre, 50, relating to actions that took place when Ferro was between 15 and 18. His lawyer said Bouteyre ‘recognises the relationship occurred but denies any coercion’.

Ferro, 25, alleged that her one-time mentor Pierre Bouteyre raped and assaulted her while she was a teenager