TENNIS in DEPTH.

Caroline Wozniacki is under investigation by the WTA over the circumstances of her retirement during her first round match at this week’s Luxembourg Open, it was reported last night.

Wozniacki, the tournament top seed, withdrew when leading local hero Anne Kremer 7-5 5-0 on Tuesday. Despite the lead, the Dane was carrying a hamstring injury and later explained that, knowing she would not be able to play in the second round, she “chose the sporting option” and allowed Kremer to progress.

However sporting the gesture might have been, Wozniacki’s decision has drawn complaints and allegations on internet gambling websites. The WTA is said to be investigating, and the matter could be passed to tennis’s anti-corruption unit. Wozniacki denies any wrongdoing.

Her management company, BEST Tennis, is backing the player, who is due to feature at the season-ending Sony Ericsson WTA Championships next week.

“Caroline had an injury to her hamstring and back, and because she was not going to be able to continue to the next round she wanted to be a good sport and allow the other girl to continue playing,” BEST Tennis said in a statement.

“We understand how it looks, but we would not want this to be blown out of proportion.”

Wozniacki told Danish newspaper Ekstra Bladet she was thinking more about Kremer than how the retirement might look. “I did not think I could play the second round on Thursday, so I chose the sporting option, to let her proceed – she is playing at home.”

Bookmark It