Caroline Wozniacki Says Advice From Fiancé Helped Secure Australian Open Final Berth - UBITENNIS

Caroline Wozniacki Says Advice From Fiancé Helped Secure Australian Open Final Berth

By Adam Addicott
5 Min Read

World No.2 Caroline Wozniacki believes her tennis has been enhanced by her partner David Lee after reaching the final of the Australian Open.

The 27-year-old survived a shaky second set to defeat Elise Mertens 6-3, 7-6(2). Hitting 25 winners to 18 unforced errors and producing seven aces. She will now play in her first grand slam final since the 2014 US Open and her first ever in Melbourne.

“I’m just excited. It’s another final. It’s another great two weeks. Regardless of what happens now, I’ve done my best. When you go out there on Saturday, you have everything to win.” She said after the match.

Part of Wozniacki’s resurgence could be down to her partner Lee. A former NBA basketball player who has played for the New York Knicks (2005-2010) and the Golden State Warriors (2010-2015). Following her win over Mertens, the Dane said that players can learn from other sports. Revelling that advice from her fiance has helped her during matches.

“You can learn a lot of things from different sports. Obviously it’s different playing individual sports, team sports.” Said Wozniacki.
“I think having David there by my side, obviously he’s had an incredible career, played so many years, there’s always small things that he just tells me.”
“That actually helped me in a situation like this or that.”

On Saturday the Dane will be aiming to end her grand slam title drought after what has been a turbulent past couple of years. During an injury-stricken 2016 season, Wozniacki dropped down to as low as 71st in the world. She managed to turn things around last year by reaching the final at eight WTA tournaments. Winning titles in Japan and at the WTA Finals in Singapore. Singapore remains her biggest title to date.

“I always believed in myself. I had a tough period where I had a few injuries. That was kind of hard and tough mentally. But once I got past that, I knew that if I can stay healthy and I work hard, my game is good enough for it.”

Saying that she has ‘added things’ to her game over the years, Wozniacki believes her resurgence on the tour has been aided by experience. It has been almost 13 years since she made her WTA debut at the Western and Southern Open. Since then, she has played in 43 grand slam main draws.

“I think once you get older, you get more experienced, you learn, you maybe read the game better. I think you learn all the time.” She explained.
“I think, definitely, you have to get better. You have to improve to keep being on top of this game because everyone behind you is trying to find a way to beat you. You need to be a step ahead.”

Wozniacki will take on Simona Halep in the final. At stake isn’t just a maiden grand slam title. She also has the chance of reclaiming the world No.1 spot for the first time since 2012. She has held that position for a total of 67 weeks so far in her career.

“I don’t think I believe in luck. Obviously you have to sometimes be a little lucky. But I believe in preparation and effort. I believe if you really put everything into it, eventually things are going to go your way.” She said about the upcoming clash.

Should Wozniacki win Saturday’s final in Melbourne, she will break the WTA record for having the longest stint between holding the world No.1 position. Serena Williams currently holds the record with a gap of five years and 29 days.

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