Capriati Grand Slam Reported -- Swings At Boyfriend, Hits Server, Police Say
TAMPA, Fla. - Five days after getting bounced from the French Open, Jennifer Capriati's thundering right hand may have hit more than tennis balls during a recent altercation with a nightclub waitress.
According to police, Capriati got into an argument with her boyfriend late Sunday night at Bubba's Beach Club. A punch intended for her boyfriend instead found the left eye of waitress Angela Larson, who was standing nearby, a report said.
Tampa Police spokesman Steve Cole said Larson initially waived pressing charges but filed a battery complaint two days later.
"Now we will take a statement from the woman that's making the allegation and we will probably try to contact Jennifer Capriati to see if she wants to make a statement," Cole said yesterday.
Larson did not immediately return phone calls yesterday.
Capriati, who at 20 was in the bar illegally, rejoined the tennis circuit this year after two stints in drug rehabilitation. She left the tour after the U.S. Open in 1993 because of burnout and was arrested in 1994 for marijuana possession.
Linda Dozoretz, spokeswoman for Capriati's agent, said they were unaware of the incident and could not comment.
Cole said the state attorney's office will determine whether battery charges will be filed against Capriati.