‘Rest did me a power of good’

– Caroline Wozniacki (above) said an extended injury break last year was a crucial factor behind her WTA Finals victory, an echo of this season’s brilliant comebacks by Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

The former world No 1 beat Venus Williams for the first time in eight attempts to seal the biggest title of her career at the season finale in Singapore on Sunday.

It’s an outcome that seemed unlikely just over 12 months ago, when Wozniacki languished at No 74 after struggling to return from a major ankle injury sustained early in 2016.

But the 27-year-old Dane, who appeared fresh and hungry as she lost just once in five matches in Singapore, said the 10-week layoff was a blessing in disguise.

“I strongly believe everything happens for a reason and maybe I wouldn’t be here if that (injury) wouldn’t have happened,” she told reporters after her 6-4, 6-4 win.

“I think the break from tennis for me was great. I really enjoyed being home, just doing normal stuff and not being able to hit a ball actually felt nice.”

Wozniacki’s success follows revivals by Nadal and Federer, who both struggled with injury last year but have returned to split the men’s Grand Slam singles titles and the top two rankings in 2017.

Wozniacki will finish the year third in the rankings, having come into the tournament at six having won the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo last month.

Wozniacki flourished in Singapore with her renowned counter-punching complemented by extra firepower as she beat Elina Svitolina, world No 1 Simona Halep and Karolina Pliskova.

“I think I managed to stay aggressive,” she said.

“Even when I was pushing against the big hitters, I still managed to not be pushed too far behind the baseline.

“I felt pretty good about my game in general. I felt very calm for a lot of the time.”

Wozniacki said she wasn’t yet thinking about the Australian Open – the first Slam on the 2018 calendar – and was looking forward to another break. – AFP