Japanese tennis player Naomi Osakova was the target of a verbal attack from the spectator during the 2nd round of the WTA tournament in Indian Wells. The four-time grand slam winner eventually lost to Russia’s Veronika Kudermetova 0: 6, 4: 6.
“Naomi, you’re disgusting,” shouted a person from the stands who couldn’t be identified on the 78th player in the WTA leaderboard, but the main judge let the game continue.
An insult brought the Japanese tennis player to tears and during the break she asked for a microphone to speak to the audience.
“I just want to say something. I will not swear. I don’t swear. It just weighs on my heart, “Osaková said. However, her request was rejected by the tournament chief, saying it was an unprecedented affair.
After the match, Osak said the incident reminded her of 2001, when during a tournament in Indian Wells, spectators verbally attacked Serena and Venus Williams. (bbctasr)
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