Polish world No. 2 Iga Swiatek has been given further safety after a spectator on the Miami Open verbally abused the five-time main champion throughout a follow session final weekend, the BBC reported on Wednesday.
The person shouted private insults about Swiatek’s household and had beforehand despatched abusive on-line messages to her via social media.
“The Miami incident seems to be a direct transition from verbal aggression on-line to harassment in the true world,” Swiatek’s consultant mentioned. “He was aggressive and taunting.”
The BBC mentioned Swiatek’s staff reported the incident and that match organizers and the WTA put further safety measures in place across the participant, who’s scheduled to face Philippine wild card Alexandra Eala within the quarterfinals on Wednesday.
“Safety is a high precedence. We monitor the community to catch all these points,” Swiatek’s spokesperson mentioned.
“Constructive criticism is one factor, and threats, hate speech and even disturbance throughout coaching is one other — this can’t be condoned.”
The WTA instructed Reuters participant security was a high precedence.
“There are complete safety protocols in place to be sure that any incidents are dealt with promptly and successfully,” the WTA mentioned.
“The main points of those will not be one thing we talk about publicly, however we’re steadfast in our dedication to sustaining a secure surroundings for gamers and everybody attending one in every of our occasions.”
The incident occurred somewhat over a month after a spectator was faraway from the Dubai Championship and banned after inflicting 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu misery by exhibiting “fixated conduct” towards the British participant.
Data from Reuters was used on this report.