Caroline Wozniacki with fiance David Lee. Photo / Getty Images
Caroline Wozniacki with fiance David Lee. Photo / Getty Images
ASB Classic boss Karl Budge is no stranger to fielding requests from the tennis A-listers who visit our shores to play in the two-week sporting bonanza.
But even he was floored when world No 2 Caroline Wozniacki asked him to look after her glittering engagement ring – which has anestimated value of $1.6 million – during last week's women's tournament in Auckland.
Wozniacki's diamond is understood to be one of only three of its type in the world.
Caroline Wozniacki shows off the engagement ring given to her by fiance David Lee. Photo / Instagram
Given such precious cargo, the 27-year-old Wozniacki was understandably wary of what to do with it while she was playing, and Auckland was her first tournament since she got engaged to former NBA star David Lee, 34, late last year.
The Dane asked Budge if he could look after it while she was on court – but he baulked at the request.
"There was no way I was taking responsibility for that," laughed Budge.
"That rock is greater than my entire net worth. As much as I wanted to help Caroline, that was something I couldn't afford to take on."
Wozniacki made the final in Auckland for the second time, before losing to Julia Goerges. She played five matches here, and it's understood she usually left her ring in the locker room at Stanley Street, although occasionally also in her hotel safe.
During her stay Wozniacki also took her ring to Auckland jeweller Naveya and Sloane to have it resized slightly, as she had been having some difficultly taking it on and off.
At the time of her engagement to Lee, she wrote: "Happiest day of my life saying yes to my soulmate."
Caroline Wozniacki asked Karl Budge to take care of the ring but he was reluctant. Photo / Brett Phibbs
Her sparkling ring is 8.88 carats; said to be a nod to the tennis player's favourite number, eight.
She was previously engaged to golf star Rory McIlroy but he broke it off in 2014.
Wozniacki has won more than $35m in earnings during her tennis career. It is estimated her off-court earnings for a range of sponsorships top $13m a year.
