Victoria Azarenka faces accusations of gamesmanship over time-out during Australian Open semi-final

Defending champion came through her semi-final against Sloane Stephens.

Victoria Azarenka, the defending champion, was facing accusations of gamesmanship here today (AP)

Victoria Azarenka, the defending champion, was facing accusations of gamesmanship here today after taking a lengthy medical time-out during her Australian Open semi-final victory over Sloane Stephens.

The world No 1 left the court for nine minutes after appearing to have a panic attack as she failed to take five match points when serving for the match at 6-1 and 5-3. When Azarenka returned she broke Stephens in the following game to secure her place in the final against Li Na, who had earlier beaten Maria Sharapova 6-2, 6-2.

When asked in an on-court interview after the match why she had gone off, Azarenka replied: “I almost did the choke of the year right now. At 5-3, having so many chances and I couldn't close it out. I was a bit overwhelmed realising I was one step away from the final. Nerves got into me, for sure.”

However, players must have valid medical reasons for taking a time-out. In a later press conference Azarenka said she had been suffering from a “locked rib” which was causing her breathing problems. She had not mentioned the injury in her on-court interview but insisted: “When you cannot breathe you start to panic. I was really panicking, not because I couldn't convert my match point.”