Caroline Wozniacki believes the quality of women’s tennis has surged during 2017 after experiencing one of the best seasons so far in her career.
The former world No.1 ends the year at third in the world. Her highest year-end position since 2011. She managed to achieve the ranking following a series of final appearances. Between February-August she settled for runner-up at six tournaments, five of which were at Premier level.
It wasn’t until September where Wozniacki ended her title drought by defending her title at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo. Following on from that, she won her biggest trophy to date at the age of 27. Defeating Venus Williams in the final of the season-ending WTA Finals in Singapore.
“It has been an incredible year with everything happening on and off the court. I couldn’t have even written it any better if I got the opportunity to.“ Wozniacki told Newstalk ZB.
12 months ago, it was a different story for the Dane. During 2016 she missed the entire clay court swing of the tour after sustaining an ankle injury. At her lowest, Wozniacki fell to 74th in the world, before ending the year just inside the top 20. It was undoubtedly a low-point for the former US Open finalist, but one she refuses to let deter her.
“ I thinks that the beauty of tennis. You can always improve.” She explained. “There has been ups and downs and I think you just appreciate so much more after you have a rough period.”
“I just love playing now. I just love what I do, you know. There is no pressure and I just enjoy every moment.”
Inspired by the likes of players such as Roger Federer playing later in their careers, Wozniacki sees a bright future ahead. Her trophy tally on the tour currently stands at 27, but she is yet to win a grand slam title. Finishing runner-up at the US Open twice in 2009 and 2014.
The return of Serena
Wozniacki’s success occurs during what has been a roller coaster season for the women. All four of the grand slams have been won by different players. Meanwhile, five different women have held the world No.1 position at some point. Critics argue that this shows the inconsistency of the tour, but Wozniacki strongly disagrees.
“ I think the depth of the game is so deep and I think there’s many great players out there now.” She stated. “It’s really tough. I think the competitiveness (of women’s tennis) is at an all-time high.”
The return of 23-time grand slam champion Serena Williams could restore order in 2018. Williams hasn’t played since January due to giving birth to her first child in September, a baby girl called Alexis. It is unclear as to when she when she will return, but the former world No.1 does have her name on the entry list for the Australian Open. Whenever Williams does start her come back, close friend Wozniacki expects her to once again be a formidable figure.
“Serena is a great champion and I don’t think she would come back if she wasn’t ready for it.” She said.
“I think we will definitely see a hungry Serena (when she returns).”
Wozniacki, who trails Williams 1-10 in their head-to-head, will kick off her 2018 campaign at the ASB Classic in New Zealand. The tournament will take place in the first week of January.
