Wimbledon disqualifies Ida Wobker after thrown racket hits spectator

German teenager Ida Wobker has been disqualified from the Wimbledon girls’ singles tournament after throwing her racket into the crowd and reportedly striking a spectator.

The 15-year-old was trailing 6-0 5-5 against Romanian opponent Maria Valentina Pop during their first-round encounter on Court 11.

After hitting a return beyond the baseline to fall further behind, the frustrated youngster slammed her equipment into the grass.

The racket subsequently bounced over the perimeter barriers and into the nearby seating area.

Immediate default for unsportsmanlike conduct

The chair umpire halted play immediately and summoned a tournament supervisor to the court.

Following a brief consultation and a check on the welfare of the spectators, the official defaulted the German prospect.

The Referees’ Office at the All England Club confirmed that the item did hit a fan, although no injuries were reported.

A frustrating debut on the London grass

The world junior number 24 had endured a remarkably difficult match before her premature exit after 91 minutes of play.

The highly-rated youth talent accumulated 44 unforced errors and 11 double faults during the contest.

In stark contrast, Pop played a measured game, committing just seven unforced errors to secure her progression.

The Romanian will now advance to the second round to face either British wildcard Daniella Britton or Argentina’s Sol Ailin Larraya Guidi.

Strict rules on equipment abuse

The International Tennis Federation’s Grand Slam rulebook maintains strict penalties for players who endanger the public.

Players shall not violently or with anger hit, kick or throw a racquet or other equipment within the precincts of the tournament site.

The regulations classify such actions as unsportsmanlike conduct, defining them as abusive or detrimental to the sport.