Regardless of what happens at this year’s Wimbledon Championships, Caroline Wozniacki will not become world No.1. Yet, it is the top prize that is driving her to shine at the tournament.
In her opening match at SW19, the Dane came through a roller coaster three set match against Timea Babos. It was a far from perfect display from Wozniacki, who lost in the first round at the tournament last year, but she is gaining confidence following her solid first half of the season.
Entering the third grand slam of 2017, Wozniacki has won 35 matches on the tour. Yet to win a title, she has reached four finals this season on two surfaces (three hard court finals and one of the grass). The series of results has elevated Wozniacki to sixth in the world, her highest position since September 2015.
Relishing in her rise in form, it is reclaiming the top spot which is her main focus. The 26-year-old has so far spend a total of 67 weeks as world No.1, the ninth longest in the history of women’s tennis.
“I think everyone wants to be No. 1. I think there’s pressure on you whether you’re No. 1 or No. 5 in the world. You know, you have pressure. It’s all about how you handle it.” Said Wozniacki.
“I enjoy it. I enjoy having a target on my back because it means you need to keep playing better and improve and keep working hard because everyone is looking forward to beat you.”
The Kerber test
Currently in pole position is Angelique Kerber. Unlike Wozniacki, Kerber has won two grand slam titles, but is yet to defeat a top-10 player in 2017. As a result of her recent lacklustre run, the German finds herself in a daunting position. Reach the Wimbledon final or lose the No.1 ranking.
“I’m not thinking about this. I was never thinking about this.” Kerber said about her testing scenario. “When I became the No. 1 in New York few months ago, it’s not in my mind. It’s in my mind to playing good tennis again, to winning matches. This is my goal for here and for the next match, of course.”
It seems as if the general consensus of this year’s women’s draw is to not think about the world No.1 prize. Karolina Pliskova is one player that could exit the tournament as queen of the women’s tour. A recent winner in Eastbourne, many are tipping her as a title contender.
“This is not on my mind. I know it’s been for the last few weeks this thing about being world No. 1 for a few players. I just don’t want to be focusing on this.” Said Pliskova, who will play Magdalena Rybarikova in the second round.
Simona Halep is another player threatening Kerber’s reign. She came agonisingly close to achieving the No.1 goal at the French Open, but lost in the final at Jelena Ostapenko. This time round she needs to reach at least the semifinal stage to even stand a chance.
“Life goes on, and I have just to take day by day again, to start again, and to refresh my mind.” Halep reflected about the loss earlier this week.
Since the absence of Serena Williams, the WTA Tour has become an open field for numerous players to shine. Many have illustrated quality in their game, but few have done so on a consistent basis. As a result, the quest for No.1 remains a realistic goal for many top players.
