
via Getty
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – JANUARY 08:Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark and Serena Williams of the USA leave the court following their doubles match against Caroline Dolehide of the USA and Johanna Larsson of Sweden during day three of the 2020 Women’s ASB Classic at ASB Tennis Centre on January 08, 2020 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

via Getty
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – JANUARY 08:Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark and Serena Williams of the USA leave the court following their doubles match against Caroline Dolehide of the USA and Johanna Larsson of Sweden during day three of the 2020 Women’s ASB Classic at ASB Tennis Centre on January 08, 2020 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)
In 2012, Caroline Wozniacki caused a massive controversy when she imitated Serena Williams. The Danish star was seen stuffing her tank and tennis skirt with towels to mimic Williams. Although done for humor purposes, it didn’t go down well with the fans. While some termed it racist, others strongly opposed her objectifying the humor. Meanwhile, Wozniacki didn’t foresee that the impersonation of her friend would draw such sharp reactions. As a result, she strongly defended her act.
Despite the episode going wild, both Wozniacki and Williams maintain a healthy friendship. Here’s what the Danish star had to say about the unfortunate episode.
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When Caroline Wozniacki opened up about Williams’ impersonation event
Years after the incident took place, Caroline Wozniacki appeared in the In Depth With Graham Bensinger show where she was asked about this eventful episode. Wozniacki said, “I mean, I’m a very good friend of Serena. You know, I did not expect that to blow out of proportion.”
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Further, she went on to add, “I was shocked that the media would blow it out. I called Serena and said, ‘I hope that you don’t take it personally.’ She has amazing curves, I’m pretty flat. Just having a laugh and I learnt a lesson there, maybe I should not do that.”
Wozniacki was sure to clarify, “She’s (Serena) like, ‘Don’t worry, it’s not a big deal to me’. Other people have done it before, I was just having a bit of fun, it was nothing to do with what skin color you have, it was just a bit of fun.”
Although Williams and Wozniacki were strong rivals on the court, they were very good friends off the court. As a result, Williams openly defended her friend, Wozniacki, during the episode and claimed that she didn’t mean anything racist. After this episode, the American tennis legend even had a piece of advice for Wozniacki.
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What did Williams say to Wozniacki after this episode?
Shortly after the incident unfolded in 2012, Williams appeared in an interview to clear off the air surrounding Wozniacki’s controversy. Her words of support for the Danish star came as a massive relief to the latter.
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Williams said, “I know Caro and I would call her my friend and I don’t think she (meant) anything racist by it. (Roddick) and (Djokovic) do it all the time and Caro does (it) and now it’s racist.?? At the end of the day I spend my time focused on things to become better and not bring me down.”
However, this episode was one of the darkest moments in Wozniacki’s career. Nonetheless, she focused on her game and went on to win a Grand Slam title. She is still going strong, with big plans made for the 2024 season.
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