Azarenka was trailing the young Czech 2-6, 0-3 when she first called the physio but then declared the match over and ran straight off the field. To the surprise of everyone, including the referee, who called her again in vain.

In addition to irritation, the departure of the former number 1 in the world also drew some angry words, Azarenka was described as a bad loser, accused of her lack of sportsmanship.

Azarenka: "Very stressful the last few weeks"

The Belarusian has now spoken out and given private reasons for her departure. "I shouldn't have gone out on the pitch today," Azarenka wrote in a statement. The last few weeks have been very stressful in her private life. "The last match drew so much energy from me, but I wanted to play in front of this great crowd again, which also pulled me through my first match. I wanted out of there, but it was a mistake," said the 32-year-old.

She now hopes to take a break and come back. "I congratulate my opponent and wish her all the best in the tournament and in the beginning of her career."

Linda Fruhvirtova is now in the top 200

Linda Fruhvirtova, currently number 279 in the WTA ranking, is surprisingly in the round of 16. She had beaten Elise Mertens in Round 2, her first win over a top 50 player. The win over Azarenka will propel her into the top 200 in the world next week.

She now meets Paula Badosa.

Sister Brenda Fruhvirtova, only 14, had also recently attracted attention when she won an ITF tournament in Tucuman.