Injury-hit Wozniacki hoping to reclaim DDF Tennis crown
dubai — Caroline Wozniacki believes that she could be on track to reclaim the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships title she won six years ago, despite next week facing a stellar field that features an intimidating seven of the world’s top 10 when play commences on Sunday, Feb 19.
The former world No.1 endured a challenging time for much of the 2016 season as an ankle injury suffered during practice forced her to miss the entire European clay court season, including the French Open. Then she was hindered by an arm injury during the American hard court season, and by the time she reached the US Open her ranking had slumped to 74.
But the final Grand Slam of the year resulted in a dramatic turnaround in her fortunes as she advanced all the way to the semi-finals. Her inspiring run was halted only by eventual champion Angelique Kerber, and she went on to not only win Tokyo, beating world number four and defending champion Agnieszka Radwanska in the semis, but also Hong Kong as she claimed the 25th title of her career.
“For many years we have been delighted that Caroline Wozniacki has served as a brand ambassador for Dubai Duty Free, and it is with great pleasure that we welcome her back again,” said Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free, the tournament owners and organisers.
“The previous six times that she has played at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships she has only once failed to reach the semifinals. She defeated Svetlana Kuznetsova in the 2011 final, and in three of the semifinals she has played since she lost to the eventual champion.
“After recovering from her injuries and successfully coming through such a difficult period of her career she is once more back to her best, and it will be fascinating to see if she can re-capture her title.”
Now back in the top 20, she has not quite reached the same level so far in 2017, with quarterfinals in Auckland and Sydney and a third round loss to Johanna Konta at the Australian Open. But her confidence remains high.
“I’m just trying to find my footing this year” she said. “I feel like I have been playing some good tennis, and I’m feeling confident and good about this year. I’m looking forward to the season. It’s a better start than last year. I feel really good bodywise and mentally, which is huge for me. I played really well at the end of last year. Probably some of the best tennis I have ever played, so that was great.”
Her physical well-being is the result of some changes she has made, both with her off-court work and her entourage.
“I guess I’m not a spring chicken anymore,” said the 26-year old. “Sometimes less is more. But I have really focused on some main parts of my game and really worked hard and tried to prepare as best as I can. For the first time in a long time, (during) the whole off-season I didn’t have any problems. I changed my practice quite a bit, probably spent more time on court than I have in a long time and less time in the gym.”
Tournament Director Salah Tahlak said: “Dubai has proved to be one of Caroline Wozniacki’s most successful venues in the past, and there is every indication that she will once again be a serious title contender. We look forward to welcoming her back as she takes on one of the toughest fields ever assembled for the Championships.