Three women presented their case for maiden grand slam success
The first week of 2018 saw two women ranked in the world’s top 10 clinch a title. World No.1 Simona Halep claimed the double in Shenzhen and Elina Svitolina triumphed in Brisbane. Furthermore, world No.3 Caroline Wozniacki was runner-up in Auckland.
Despite the trio of strong performances, none of these players are yet to win a grand slam tournament. They will be hoping to change this at the upcoming Australian Open, where Halep will be the top seed for the first time.
“It’s a great beginning of course to start the year with a title but thinking about the grand slam title is too far,” the Romanian said after her win in Shenzhen.
“I’m just taking it tournament by tournament and of course I will give my best in every match I will play and my dream is to win a grand slam.”
Wozniacki, who is aiming to return to No.1 for the first time since 2012, is also seeking positives from the first week of the new year. In Auckland, she fell to Julia Goerges in the final. Goerges is currently on a 14-match winning streak.
“I’ve got a lot of matches under my belt this week, it was the preparation I hoped for,” said Wozniacki.
“Now I can take a day off tomorrow and fly to Melbourne and get used to courts over there, and the conditions, and hopefully it’s going to be a great couple of weeks.”
The best Grand slam performances of the three players
Halep
Australian Open: QF (14, 15)
French Open: Runner-up (14, 17)
Wimbledon: SF (14)
US Open: SF (15)
Wozniacki
Australian Open: SF (11)
French Open: QF (10, 17)
Wimbledon: R4 (six times)
US Open: Runner-up (09, 14)
Svitolina
Australian Open: R3 (14, 15, 17)
French Open: QF (15, 17)
Wimbledon: R4 (17)
US Open: R4 (17)
