World No.2 Caroline Wozniacki believes there is still room for improvement in her game after ending her grand slam drought.
In January the Dane defeated Simona Halep in the final of the Australian Open to lift her first major title at the age of 27. The triumph returned Wozniacki back to No.1 in the world for the first time since 2012. Since then, her results on the tour has been a quarterfinal appearance in St. Petersburg followed by the semifinals at the Qatar Open.
The next challenge will be at this week’s BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. Seeded second in the tournament, Wozniacki is bidding to win the event for the first time since 2011. It will be her 12th straight appearance in California, but this time she enters the draw without a cloud looming over her head.
“I think for so many years I have gotten that question about being world No.1 and not ever winning a grand slam. It’s just nice that I got that.” She told reporters on Wednesday.
“It was basically the only thing missing from my resume.”
Now she has conquered her grand slam goal after so long, some wonder how Wozniacki will maintain her momentum. Fortunately she isn’t contempt with her latest milestone. Pointing out that it is the possibility of improving her game further that motives her to succeed.
“I think I’m such a competitor that I hate losing and for me just being out there and knowing all the time that I can improve every time and do big things, that’s what drive me.” She explained.
“When I stop having that drive, it’s time to stop.”
Despite her upbeat outlook, Wozniacki understands how some players can go down hill after triumphing in the majors. Sloane Stephens lost eight consecutive matches on the tour after winning the US Open last September. Ending that losing streak last month in Acapulco.
“I can see sometimes how it is hard for people to get back into it after winning a grand slam, but I think, especially for me, it wasn’t so much about winning in Australia. But it was just the whole thing.”
Currently 440 points adrift from Simona Halep in the WTA rankings, returning to No.1 is no longer a main priority for the Dane. Who has held the position for a total of 71 weeks. Although should she reproduce her form of 2017, she believes she will be in with a chance of becoming the year-end No.1. Something she has done twice before with the last occurring in 2011.
“I feel like if I play well for the rest of the year then I have a chance to finish No.1.” Wozniacki stated.
“Day-by-day for me is just about improving my game, having fun and staying injury free. That is my short-term goal.
“Whether I am one, two or three right now it doesn’t really make a difference to me.” She added.
The second seed will take on either Lara Arruabarrena or Lesia Tsurenko in her first match at Indian Wells.
