Caroline Wozniacki has given herself a big confidence boost ahead of her off season training by defeating world No.1 Serena Williams in straight sets (6-3, 6-4).
The two players were taking part in the second edition of the Energy Denmark Champions Battle Exhibition at the Boxen in Herning, Denmark. Labelled as ‘the biggest tennis event in Denmark’, 7000 spectators attended the event to see their home player stun the world No.1.
The win for Wozniacki comes off the end of a tricky year where she has slipped down to 17th in the rankings. On the tour the Dane has played Williams on 11 occasions, winning just one of the encounters at the 2012 Miami Open. Shortly after her win, Wozniacki spoke of her delight.
“It was a great experience to play in front of the audience here in Herning”. Wozniacki said.
“It was a really good game where we both got tested our form of before we go into a period of hard training next season. It was something very special to play against Serena here at home, the victory is very nice, especially when you can share it with a home crowd”.
34-year-old Williams ended her 2015 season early to focus on ‘health issues’. She hasn’t played a match on the tour since her shock defeat in the semifinals of the US Open. Williams was on course to become the first player since 1988 to win all four Grand Slam titles within one season before she lost to Roberta Vinci in New York. Speaking in Denmark, the world No.1 complimented Wozniacki on her performance.
“Caroline had a good game, she deserved to win. It has been so nice here in Herning, to be with Caroline at her home has been a great experience. I have enjoyed it here in Herning”. Williams said.
Wozniacki was awarded a Shamballa bracelet worth 100,000 Danish krones (just over $14,000) for the win.
Prior to the clash between Williams and Wozniacki there was a men’s doubles competition. ATP World Tour Finals champions Horia Tecau and Jean-Julien Rojer played 2012 Wimbledon champions Frederik Nielsen and Jonathan Marray. During a tough match Tecau and Rojer won 6-4, 3-6, 10-5.
