Azarenka defends time-outs

The world’s top player Victoria Azarenka has declined to apologise to rising star Sloane Stephens after taking a questionable injury time-out at a crucial stage in their Australian Open semi-final.

Azarenka is a vastly more experienced player than 19-year-old Stephens, but she denied gamesmanship of any type by asking for medical help for a breathing problem in the middle of a clutch of match points.

Azarenka is trying to defend both her Australian Open title and the No. 1 world ranking.