Naomi Osaka was reduced to tears by a heckling spectator at Indian Wells on Saturday in shocking scenes that many have labelled "disgusting" and "shameful".
The Japanese star was rattled early in the first set when someone in the crowd repeatedly yelled "Naomi, you suck.
After falling 0-3 down her emotions spilled over and Osaka was reduced to tears as she sat courtside.
Osaka then approached the chair umpire and asked if she could address the fan over the microphone, but her request was denied.
The 24-year-old instantly gathered herself and started the match, but despite raising her game in the second set, she was unable to overcome Veronika Kudermetova and lost 6-0 6-4.
Speaking on court after the match, Osaka said it wasn't that she found the comment so hurtful but because she was reminded of how Venus and Serena Williams were targeted at Indian Wells in 2001.
After Venus withdrew from her scheduled semi-final against Serena with a knee injury, the crowd booed Venus and father Richard when they took their seats to watch the final.
Fans jeered Serena as the match went on, while Richard said he was the target of racial slurs
