Caroline Wozniacki says Miami Open fans ‘wished death’ on her

  • Caroline Wozniacki claims she was subjected to vile abuse at the Miami Open
  • The Dane lost to Monica Puig in three sets but suggests the abuse hampered her
  • Wozniacki, the No 2 seed, claims fiance’s niece and nephew were also targeted 

Caroline Wozniacki has called for urgent action to be taken after reporting that her parents received death threats in the stands during her Miami Open defeat to Olympic champion Monica Puig.

This year’s Australian Open winner was shocked as the partisan atmosphere at Crandon Park spilled over into outright hostility against her family during the Puerto Rican’s 0-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory late on Friday night.

She claimed that even her fiance’s young niece and nephew were subject to abuse.

No 2 seed Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark crashed out of the Miami Open on Friday evening

The Dane claims fans threatened her and her family during the loss to Monica Puig

The Dane claims fans threatened her and her family during the loss to Monica Puig

‘Last night I lost a tough match to a great opponent and friend Monica Puig at the Miami Open. I am fully aware that tennis is a game of wins and losses. 

‘However, during the match last night people in the crowd threatened my family, wished death upon my mom and dad, called me names that I can’t repeat here and told Fiance’s niece and newphew (who are 10 years old) to sit down and shut the f*** up. 

‘Meanwhile security and staff did nothing to prevent this and even accepted this to take place. 

Monica Puig of Puerto Rico celebrates after beating Wozniacki of Denmark 0-6, 6-4, 6-4

Monica Puig of Puerto Rico celebrates after beating Wozniacki of Denmark 0-6, 6-4, 6-4

‘While I always encourage fans to cheer for their favourite player, and I thrive on a challenging atmosphere, when certain lines are crossed, it makes tennis miserable for both competitors. 

I hope the Miami Open chooses to take this seriously bceause it’s a horrible example to set for the next generation of tennis players and fans. I wish Monica all the best for the rest of the tournament.’

Miami’s large Hispanic population means that vociferous support for certain players, usually from South America, is a regular feature of this event and the crowd was undoubtedly pro-Puig. 

However, this appears to have reached a new level of unsavoury partisanship.

The tournament’s organisation was aware of her complaints and was last night considering its response. 

A large contingent of Puerto Ricans were lending their countrywoman support during the tie

A large contingent of Puerto Ricans were lending their countrywoman support during the tie

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