Wozniacki puts work into game

CAROLINE Wozniacki knows she had one foot out of Melbourne Park on Wednesday.

But could her brush with an early tournament exit propel her to a breakthrough Grand Slam title?

The world No.2 – who was 5-1 and 40-15 down before clawing her way back against Croat Jana Fett on Wednesday – said she wanted to be better prepared for today’s clash against 30th seed Kiki Bertens.

So yesterday she hit the practice court. The session lasted only 20 minutes, but it was focused. Forehand and backhand returns were followed by mid-court ground strokes.

After a break for a drink –it was only 10am but already closing on 30°C – it was back to business with father and coach Piotr Wozniacki insisting on more work on her forehand return.

A positive nod from Dad meant she had it right and the session was over.

Wozniacki Snr is reported to have been upset after his daughter’s close shave on Wednesday but he was defiant after the practice hit.

“It’s the other players that have to prepare for Caroline,” he said.

Wozniacki said tennis was as much a mental game as a physical one and she certainly has the experience to win that part of today’s battle.

“You can have the best forehand or the best backhand in the game, but it’s all important how you figure out the shots, where to play the next point,” Wozniacki said.

“Also I think when you’re feeling confident and you go for more and things go your way, sometimes if you’re in a rough patch, it’s tough to get out of it because players start doubting their abilities even though they’re great players.

“I think it’s very mental. It’s something that I think I’ve done well throughout my career to just try and keep playing one point at a time.”