Caroline Wozniacki has had tough time of things since winning the Eastbourne title in June; it’s all changed at the China Open. Wozniacki, in making it to the quarterfinals, has strung three wins together since Eastbourne securing her WTA Finals Singapore slot. The Dane makes it five on the bounce, dispatching local heroine Qiang Wang 6-1, 6-3.
Caroline Wozniacki attacks Wang’s Lack of Backhand Range
26-year-old Chinese player Qiang Wang has been in sensational form of late, but a strapped thigh and a Wozniacki finding her range proves too much. When Wang is able to open up that forehand she is devastating. However, Wozniacki soon realiszed this and the first set was all about pushing Wang onto that backhand and forcing the error. Wang duly obliged. The lack of backhand range gave Wozniacki too many cheap points, as she took the set while losing only one game.
Wang was a little off-key, understandably a little over-awaed by the occasion in her home tournament. When she managed to grind out breakpoint opportunities she simply couldn’t take them. 1/7 break-points won sums up Wang’s day, really.
Caroline Wozniacki puts US Open Wounds Behind Her
A shoulder injury in the run-in to the US Open 2018 put paid to any chances of a 2nd Slam of the season for the Dane. It’s been a grueling road back to fitness. However, Wozniacki will be buoyed by the chance of winning a 2nd China Open title and building form to defend her WTA Finals title. This will make a great end to the season after a great beginning- winning Australian Open 2018.
Anastasija Sevastova Stands Between Wozniacki & a 2nd China Open Title
The 28 year old Latvian Anistasija Sevastova’s story is a remarkable one. She gave up the game to study and give kids tennis lessons. Thomas Muster convinced her that was not a good decision–how right he was!
Wozniacki leads the head-to-head 4-0. This includes a victory in Rome this year. Sevastova- ranked 16 is Wozniacki’s highest ranked opponent in her 6 matches at the China Open. Critics will play down the Dane’s achievements because she could win the title and not beat anyone in the top 15. However, Wozniacki has faced some tough tests, including over victory over the resurgent Czech, Katerina Siniakova. Whatever the outcome of the final is–Wozniacki has signaled to the WTA that she is back.
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