Wozniacki's withdrawal under investigation
World No 6 says she was being 'a good sport'
Wozniacki's withdrawal from her match against Anne Kremer, ostensibly through injury, prompted complaints and allegations on internet betting forums.
The Danish No 1 seed, who won the first set 7-5 and was on the brink of victory despite clearly struggling with a leg injury, withdrew after apparently being instructed by her coach and father, Piotr Wozniacki, to quit when the score had reached 5-0 or 4-1 in the final set.
On Wednesday night Wozniacki admitted that she withdrew to allow Kremer to play in the following round. "I did not think I could play the second round, so I chose the sporting option, to let her proceed. She is playing at home," she told Danish newspaper Ekstra Bladet.
‘A bit more joy'
Piotr Wozniacki issued his instruction after coming on to the court with his daughter leading 3-0 in the second set. As is common in Women's Tennis Association tournaments, he was wearing a microphone and his instruction, issued in his native Polish, was heard by gamblers watching the match live on the internet.
He is understood to have told his daughter that as her injury would prevent her playing in the next round, she should pull out, but only after playing more games to "give the crowd a bit more joy first".
With Wozniacki 100-1 on to win the match on Betfair, a number of gamblers immediately "laid" her to lose or backed Kremer at 40-1. The WTA confirmed that it was investigating the circumstances surrounding the match and that the matter could be passed to the sport's Anti-Corruption Unit if there were any suspicious circumstances.
Betfair, the leading betting exchange, is understood to have examined the circumstances surrounding the match, but is not thought to have serious concerns at this stage.
Wozniacki has rejected any suggestion of a link to gambling, and said that her intention had been to allow her opponent to contest the second-round match rather than proceed herself only to default.
"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," said her management company.
Could face sanctions
Wozniacki could still face severe sanctions under tennis' anti-corruption code, however. While there is no suggestion that she was trying to manipulate the result for corrupt purposes, the decision apparently to continue playing while intending to withdraw could fall foul of regulations.
— The Telegraph Group LImited, London 2009
