By Chris Oddo

(January 24, 2013) -- Victoria Azarenka's medical timeout at 5-4 of the second set of her 6-1, 6-4 victory over Sloane Stephens on Thursday was heavily criticized by the tennis cognoscenti after the fact.

Stephens herself, a picture of poise throughout her semifinal run, took the high road, saying "It's happened before. Last match, match before, I've had people going for medical breaks, going to the bathroom. Didn't affect me. Just another something else that happens."

But many pundits, former players and fed-up fans were miffed that Azarenka could be allowed to walk off court for ten minutes just when Stephens had stolen momentum in the match and was about to serve to level the second set.

So, were Azarenka's actions justified, or was she cheating by taking advantage of the system when she really didn't need medical attention?

Here's what the Twitterverse had to say about it:

That really looks like a panic attack for Azarenka..So I guess yes it's justified to take a MTO even if cause is choking... Weird but hey ;)

— Carole Bouchard (@carole_bouchard) January 24, 2013

This sort of unsportsmanlike behavior with MTO's, is becoming a festering wound in our sport. We need to clean it out.... and quickly!

— Rob Koenig (@RobKoenigTennis) January 24, 2013

Not sure if it's weirdly admirable or horrifying arrogance/cluelessness that Azarenka unapologetically admitted to gamesmanship

— Jon Wertheim (@jon_wertheim) January 24, 2013

Absolute travesty

— Patrick McEnroe (@PatrickMcEnroe) January 24, 2013

So Azarenka injured her nerves?

— CHRIS MCKENDRY (@CMCKENDRY_ESPN) January 24, 2013

Paging Vika's PR Team. Paging Vika's PR Team. We have a CODE RED.

— Lindsay Gibbs (@linzsports) January 24, 2013

You can call an MTO for being "overwhelmed"?

— Beyond The Baseline (@SI_BTBaseline) January 24, 2013

Nah, that's still Tony Romo. “@footfault_: BREAKING: Victoria Azarenka is officially the most hated person in America.”

— unseeded & looming (@unseededlooming) January 24, 2013

So let me get this straight. She had a lot of nerves and that's why she left the court. Unbelievable

— Patrick McEnroe (@PatrickMcEnroe) January 24, 2013

Got to say, Victoria Azarenka does a great job in making people dislike her

— Simon Cambers (@scambers73) January 24, 2013

Things I've learned today: Azarenka is the first player ever to take a dubious MTO in an important match.

— Steve (@ShankTennis) January 24, 2013

@yes_iamsancho When Serena takes MTO it's cos she's injured, if Azarenka takes, it's cos she's a dirty scum cheat.

— Nathii Gawronska (@tennisnathii) January 24, 2013

Got an opinion? Leave it in the comments...

(Photo Credit: AP)