Engaging Wozniacki has finally found her rock

ASB Classic star Caroline Wozniacki says her engagement to NBA star David Lee has helped her become a better player.

The world No 3 is the top seed for this week’s tournament and will face Madison Brengle in the first round tomorrow.

After a practice session with Christina McHale yesterday, she spoke to the media about how relaxed she is, being back in Auckland for the fifth time, and also because of her engagement last month to Lee, a two-time NBA all star, who played for the Knicks, Warriors, Celtics, Mavericks and Spurs over a glittering 12-year career.

‘‘I’m very lucky to have found a guy like David,’’ Wozniacki said.

‘‘He’s amazing and really supportive and he’s my rock.

‘‘It’s been really easy going and I enjoy that. He keeps me in check and I like that.’’

Having a professional sportsperson as a partner means Wozniacki now has someone who can relate to her experiences on the circuit – and that’s been great for her says the 27-year-old Dane .

‘‘I think it’s helped a lot. He’s been my biggest supporter and no matter if he’s been there at the tournament or cheering on from back home,’’ she said

‘‘There is less pressure and everything outside of tennis is going great, so that makes it easier on court to focus just on that and enjoy it.’’

Lee isn’t in Auckland, but he will meet up with Wozniacki in Melbourne for the Australian Open.

By that time it could be that Wozniacki is back at No 1 in the world. That would depend on her winning the Classic and Garbine Mugaruza and Simona Halep not doing so well at their tournaments this week.

Wozniacki first got to No 1 in 2010 and copped some criticism at the time for reaching the top of the rankings without winning a grand slam.

She says it would be nice to be back there, but it’s clear the biggest priority is to win a grand slam.

‘‘I think it would be awesome, it would be amazing, but I’ve been there before,’’ she said of getting back the top spot.

‘‘It’s something I’ve done before, so it’s not something I feel I really have to achieve. But I would obviously be very happy and thrilled if I made it there.’’

At the Australian Open it’s possible Wozniacki will face Serena Williams, making her comeback after becoming a mother. Williams played an exhibition match in Abu Dhabi this weekend, losing to Jelena Ostapenko in a third-set super tiebreak.

However, Wozniacki said it was great to see her good friend back on court.

‘‘It’s always good to have the greatest player back on tour. It’s great for the sport and it keeps us all on our toes.’’