05 January,2015 08:36 AM IST | | A Correspondent
Danish tennis star arrives in New Zealand from Los Angeles for Auckland Classic to discover there's no one to receive her except for a reporter
Caroline Wozniacki arrives at the ASB Classic Player's party in Auckland, New Zealand on Saturday
Imagine a high-profile tennis star arriving and not witnessing a welcome party. That's what Danish tennis star and former World No I Caroline Wozniacki experienced on her arrival in Auckland, New Zealand at 5:45 am on Saturday for the ASB Classic.
Caroline Wozniacki arrives at the ASB Classic Player's party in Auckland, New Zealand on Saturday. Pic/Getty Images
Stuff.com reported yesterday that there was only one person waiting at the lounge and that person happened to be reporter David Long. The report says: "Reporter David Long: 'Hi Caroline, I'm here to interview you - it doesn't look like there's anyone picking you up. 'No,' she said. 'I thought there'd be someone here.'
"The pair made small talk for a few minutes: she had had a nice flight and got plenty of sleep on the plane. "An interview followed - tactfully avoiding questions about Rory McIlroy, the golfer who broke off the couple's engagement last year.
"Long was about to offer her a lift into the city, wondering what he'd talk to the star about for 40 minutes, and then realised he'd have bragging rights forever. Just then her driver turned up. 'You're early, Caroline!' he said cheerily."
Non-stop activity
If you thought Wozniacki relaxed in her hotel room after her long flight that started in Los Angeles, you are mistaken. Off she went to attend a function where she was gifted a $15,000 gold and diamond bracelet - her reward as reported in Close of Play last week - for figuring in the Auckland tournament.
Wozniacki marveled at the 18 carat gold and 42-diamond bracelet. Stuff com adds: "Next stop was fashion store Juliette Hogan in Britomart to select an outfit for the pre-tournament party event that night. It gets a touch awkward as she peeks out from the changing room (and asks) 'can someone zip me up?' "
She gets helped by a female reporter and Wozniacki remarks, "It's gorgeous, it makes me look slim. Do you think I need the size down," the 24-year-old tennis star asks. And while you read this, Wozniacki would have witnessed yet another busy day. Today, she plans to go sightseeing before her her first match tomorrow.
