Iga Swiatek has been placed under enhanced security measures at the Miami Open after a troubling incident involving verbal abuse from a spectator. The Polish star was targeted during a practice session last weekend when a man shouted personal insults about her family. This individual had also previously sent abusive messages to her on social media before insulting her in person. 

Swiatek’s team swiftly reported the incident to tournament organizers and the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), prompting immediate action. Additional security measures were put in place to ensure her safety throughout the tournament. A spokesperson for Swiatek said: “Constructive criticism is one thing, and threats, hate speech, or even disturbance during training is another – this cannot be condoned.”

In a statement, the WTA reiterated its commitment to player safety, stating that comprehensive protocols are in place to handle incidents effectively. Although the exact details of these measures remain undisclosed, the organization assured that maintaining a secure environment for players and attendees is a top priority: “The details of these are not something we discuss publicly, but we are steadfast in our commitment to maintaining a safe environment for players and everyone attending one of our events.”

The incident has drawn more attention to the broader issue of athlete safety, particularly for female players who often face increased scrutiny and harassment. Just last month, Emma Raducanu experienced a similar ordeal at the Dubai Tennis Championships, where she was left in tears by a fan exhibiting obsessive behavior. The said fan was subsequently banned from future WTA events.

The unsettling experience did not do much to affect Swiatek’s performance on the court. She advanced to the quarterfinals without dropping a set, defeating Elise Mertens and Elina Svitolina in commanding fashion, although her run ended on Wednesday with a loss to Filipino wildcard Alexandra Eala in straight sets.