The Scotsman

Wozniacki says women get a raw deal

- NICK PUREWAL

CAROLINE Wozniacki has sparked a Wimbledon sexism row by claiming women do not receive as many chances as men to feature on SW19’S show courts.

Danish fifth seed Wozniacki tumbled out of Wimbledon’s last 16 for the fifth time in her career yesterday, then hit out at organisers of the All England Club’s scheduling.

Wozniacki claimed Wimbledon’s tournament bosses should feature as many women’s as men’s matches on the top courts at London’s Grand Slam event.

“I would love to play on a big court,” said Wozniacki, after her 6-4, 6-4 defeat by Spain’s Garbine Muguruza.

“I think that’s what it’s all about; you work hard and practise to play on the big courts.

“The women really haven’t gotten the opportunit­y here to play on the big courts. You only get one women’s match on Court One and Centre Court.

“Most of last week it was only one women’s match on Court Two as well.

“It’s definitely different, that’s all I can say.

“I think a lot of us women feel like we deserve to play on the big courts in front of a big crowd, as well.”

Wozniacki has never reached a Wimbledon quarter-final, despite this being her fifth appearance in the last 16.

World number 20 Muguruza eased past Wozniacki 6-4, 6-4, with the match taking place on Court Two.

The Williams sisters’ first battle at Wimbledon in six years opened Monday’s last-16 programme on Centre Court, while 2004 champion Maria Sharapova started proceeding­s on Court One against Zarina Diyas.

Coco Vandeweghe’s clash with Lucie Safarova and Agnieska Radwanska’s 7-5, 6-4 defeat of Jelena Jankovic were played out on Court Three, as Wimbledon’s second week went into full swing with the traditiona­l manic Monday.

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