Woz wants showdown with Venus
Dane welcomes blockbuster clash as ex-world No 1s head for a quarter-final collision
The pragmatic Caroline Wozniacki isn’t one to get ahead of herself but admits she would welcome a potential blockbuster tennis clash with Venus Williams tomorrow.
The two former world No 1s look headed for a quarter-final collision — if matches go to form today — and Wozniacki joked that it could be fated.
Speaking after her routine 6-3, 6-2 victory over German world No 119 Laura Siegemund yesterday, the Dane revealed they had been shadowing each other all week.
“It would be great,” said Wozniacki. “She’s obviously a tough competitor and feel like I bump into her everywhere this week. We were kinda joking . . . she told me actually ‘Hey, you don’t need to follow me, you can just text me and say if you want to see me and we can hang out’.
“It’s true because I was practising before or after her every day and then we bump each other at the elevators, the restaurant and the hotel”
Williams was an interested spectator on the players balcony during Wozniacki’s win, but the Dane missed the American’s heroics on Tuesday night, as she was in a restaurant celebrating her father (and coach) Piotr’s birthday.
“I know how she is playing, and she has been playing well, apparently, so I know she is ready,” said Wozniacki of Williams. “Let’s hope we both get there.”
Wozniacki gave herself a pass mark yesterday against Siegemund, who got her first round berth as a “lucky loser” out of qualifying.
The Dane was mostly untroubled in the first set, but had to fight hard in the second, as Siegemund took a more aggressive approach and showed some lovely touches at the net. The German fought back, breaking the world No 3’s serve, before Wozniacki accelerated away again.
“It wasn’t the prettiest match I’ve played,” said the 28-year-old. “I was just trying to get back into the rhythm. I have been practising really well so I am hoping every match is going to be better.
“I never expect much playing-wise in the first match because you are a little rusty and have to get back into it.
“All I can expect from myself is that I fight well and I try my hardest. I served well in periods, I mixed up the pace well in periods, you have to look at the positives.”
If Wozniacki is to make another run at the title, she’ll face five matches in consecutive days, a tougher schedule than many of her opponents, some of whom started on Monday and have had rest days between rounds.
“I’m okay, I’m ready for it,” said Wozniacki.
“I’ve been working hard fitnesswise. Obviously it is different when you are in a match.”
Wozniacki faces Canadian qualifier Bianca Andreescu today.
The 18-year-old is ranked world No 152, but has come through four matches in Auckland.
I know how she is playing, and she has been playing well, apparently, so I know she is ready. Let’s hope we both get there. Caroline Wozniacki