Caroline Wozniacki required less than an hour to book her place in the second round of the ASB Classic in Auckland after easing her way past Madison Brengle 6-3, 6-0.
The former world No.1 appeared tentative on the court during the early stages of the match before finding her range to dominate. Wozniacki, who was playing her first match since winning the WTA Finals, won 86% of her first service points and converted four out of her five break point opportunities. During a one-sided second set, the Dane claimed 25 out of the 32 points played.
“I didn’t really know what to expect, It was my first match (in 2018). I hit some crazy shots during the first few games and I was like ‘Wow, this is going well’ and then I would make an easy mistake right after. I was like ‘Ok we’re back where I thought we were going to start (the season).” Wozniacki said following the match.
“I kinda found my ground as the match progressed. Started to be more steady and go for the shots when I found the opportunity.”
Wozniacki enters Auckland with the outside chance of reclaiming the world No.1 ranking for the first time since 2012. In order to do so, she is required to win the title and hope for Simona Halep to go out before the quarterfinals in Shenzhen.
In the second round, the world No.3 will take on Croatia’s Petra Martic. A former top 50 player who is currently ranked 90th in the world. Wozniacki boasts a perfect 3-0 head-to-head record against the Croat, but their last meeting was back in 2012.
“She’s a good player. She serves big and she’s aggressive.” Wozniacki said of Martic. “I need to be ready and keep trying to find my rhythm and my way back.”
Radwanska fights back
Fourth seed Agnieszka Radwanska encountered a bumpy start to her season. The former Wimbledon finalist required almost two hours to see off Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia 6-2, 4-6, 6-2. During the final set, Radwanska dropped her serve early on before breaking three consecutive times to move into the last 16.
Hitting four aces and converting six out of her nine break point opportunities, the Polish player is drawing positive from her tricky opening match win.
“It was a tough match for the first round, it’s always going to be tricky to play someone who’s a lefty,” Radwanska said.
“She was playing solid and confident on the court as well.
“I think you lose the match rhythm in the off season, it still was a good match and I’m happy with the win.
“These types of matches help me be more confident,” she added.
Radwanska, who won the Auckland title back in 2013, will take on America’s Taylor Townsend in the second round. Townsend fought back from a set down to defeat Christina McHale 1-6, 6-4, 6-4 in her opening match.
Wozniacki and Radwanska are two of only four seeded players remaining in the draw.
