Shahar Peer’s run at the ASB Classic in Auckland finished at the semi-final stage where she was beaten by third seed Yanina Wickmayer.

In a competition marred by anti-Israel demonstrations, Peer, 22, bowed out 6-4 7-5 against Yanina Wickmayer from Belgium.

Following one of the tightest matches in the competition, Peer, who is preparing for the first grand slam of 2010, the Australian Open, broke her silence on the protestors who have disrupted her matches.

Peer said: “Unfortunately I have to deal with politics because of where I come from, it's not fair because I have nothing to do with politics, I'm only a tennis player who wants to enjoy the tour like the other players.”

Despite all the negative attention towards her, Peer says she wants to come back to the ASB Classic next year.

“I hope so,” she said. “I really enjoy being here. It’s a nice tournament, the people are nice and Brenda (Perry, tournament director) takes care of us.

“It's not a nice feeling and it’s not comfortable, but I’m really proud of myself at how I've handled it this week.

“I’m only 22 and to get those calls against me isn’t nice, but I think I handled it pretty well.”