Aryna Sabalenka and Jasmine Paolini into Miami semi finals

MIAMI – Polish world No. 2 Iga Swiatek has been given extra security after a spectator at the Miami Open verbally abused the five-time Grand Slam champion during a practice session last weekend, the BBC reported on March 26.

The man shouted personal insults about Swiatek’s family and had previously sent abusive online messages to her through social media.

“The Miami incident appears to be a direct transition from verbal aggression online to harassment in the real world,” Swiatek’s representatives said. “He was aggressive and taunting.”

The BBC said Swiatek’s team reported the incident and that tournament organisers and the WTA put extra security measures in place around the Pole.

Meanwhile, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka admitted she had to “work really hard”, as she battled back in the second set to blast her way into the semi-finals with a 6-2, 7-5 win over China’s Zheng Qinwen on March 25.

The victory sees the Belarusian in the last four in Miami for the first time, with a clash against Italy’s Jasmine Paolini standing between her and a place in the final.

It looked like it was going to be routine business for Sabalenka against her ninth-seeded opponent when she took the first set comfortably. But Zheng came out firing, opening up a 4-2 lead in the second before Sabalenka fought back.

“Honestly every match is tough against her. I always have to work really hard to get the win and today was an incredible level from both of us,” said the Belarusian.

“I’m super happy to get this win. I’m super happy with the way I handled all the emotions and handled the pressure.”

Earlier, Paolini advanced to the semi-finals with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Poland’s Magda Linette.

The 29-year-old, beaten in the finals at Wimbledon and the French