Wozniacki to play again in Auckland
AUCKLAND: Organisers have confirmed that Caroline Wozniacki will return for another shot at the ASB Classic title.
The world No 2 will be returning to the ASB Classic in January for a fifth time and looking to go one better than her finals appearance this year.
Wozniacki has had an impressive year, during which the Danish star lifted her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open. She took a hardfought win over Simona Halep in the final and returned to the world No 1 position, exactly six years after last holding the top spot.
Wozniacki also won the Eastbourne title, racking up her 600th career match win and securing her second WTA singles title for the year. In the process she made a further final (Auckland), a semifinal (Doha) and three quarterfinals (Rome, Istanbul and St Petersburg).
Wozniacki’s stellar year means she has now captured at least one title every year for the last 11 years on the WTA Tour, and should mean she will qualify to defend her WTA Tour Finals crown in Singa pore later in the year.
With an outstanding 29 WTA singles titles to her name, and 71 weeks as world No 1, Wozniacki is one of the biggest names in the game. Her success on court is matched by her popularity off the court as the face of Stella McCartney clothing by adidas, and presence on the front row at fashion weeks around the world.
Wozniacki was excited about heading back to Auckland,
‘‘I love playing in Auckland. The crowds are always great and provide a lot of energy on court. I feel like I play well when I’m in New Zealand, making finals twice, but I really want to take home the winner’s tro phy.’’
Tournament organisers are happy knowing she will return to Auckland.
‘‘It’s great to have Caroline back. Along with Venus [Williams] we have two global superstars who we know play their best tennis at the ASB Classic.
‘‘Her breakthrough Grand Slam was well deserved and I know she is looking to add more silverware in Auckland,’’ tournament director Karl Budge said. — RNZ