Jennifer Capriati is reportedly recovering in a South Florida hospital after suffering an “accidental” prescription drug overdose early on Sunday morning. Yes, the quotes are inevitable, given the three-time Major champion’s past personal struggles. Via the Miami Herald:
Capriati family spokeswoman Lacey Wickline told the Associated Press on Monday that Capriati was “recovering fully and stably” in a South Florida hospital.
Wickline said Capriati had a physician’s prescription, but declined to identify the medication. She also wouldn’t say who found Capriati or called for help.
“In response to an outpouring of concern and support shown by Jennifer’s fans and friends worldwide, we would like to acknowledge that Jen is recuperating at a South Florida hospital from an accidental overdose of medication prescribed to Jen by her personal physician,” Wickline said. “Jen is recovering fully and stably.”
Q. There are reports in the U.S. today that Jennifer Capriati is receiving treatment in hospital. How big of an influence was she on your career growing up?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Gosh, it’s a little while ago. I mean, I watched her play back in the day, and I thought she was really good. I remember her match against Monica in the semifinals of the Open. I remember watching that and just thinking how great that tennis was.
So definitely a lot of fond memories just watching her growing up, and obviously even playing against her, respecting her game so much. I haven’t heard any of this, so I don’t know what’s going on.
Q. Jennifer Capriati, are you going to get in touch with her?
SERENA WILLIAMS: I probably will definitely see how that goes and pray for everyone involved. If there’s any way I can do anything to help, reach out, I definitely will do that.
Kim Clijsters on Twitter: “I haven’t been able to stop thinking about Jen! I hope she makes it through ok and can get some help!”
Mary Joe Fernandez via The Miami Herald:
“I was really worried but I heard from her mom and Jennifer is doing great,” Fernandez said. “I hope she recovers quickly. She has been through so much and overcome so much.”
Fernandez, 38, was Capriati’s roommate at the 1992 Olympics when Capriati won the gold medal.
“I’m five years older, but she usually beat me,” Fernandez said.
They have remained friends over the years and often see each other at tournaments, although Fernandez said she did not see Capriati at the Sony Ericsson Open in the spring.
“As far as I know, she wasn’t having any problems and she was doing fine,” Fernandez.
TMZ broke the story.
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