The Italian Open has been a place of nightmares for Caroline Wozniacki in recent years as she makes her first appearance in the event since 2015.
The Australian Open champion last won back-to-back matches in the event back in 2011 when she reached the semifinals. Since then, the high pollen count in the area has prevented Wozniacki’s presence in recent years. In 2017 she revealed that the conditions of the venue have hampered her breathing in the past.
“I literally can’t breathe,” she said. “But it’s really strange. It’s really only at the courts, which is even more strange.
“Any time I get on-site, I think it’s those big trees that do it, because when I’m into the city centre and walk around I’m feeling fine.”
Wozniacki is hoping the pollen will not hamper her once again in Rome this week. The second seed began her campaign on Wednesday with a 6-1, 6-4, win over Belgium’s Alison Van Uytvanck. Hitting 25 winners to 15 unforced errors.
Following her 22nd win of the season, Wozniacki has partly credited her performance to a new allergy medication she is taking to help control her hayfever. That and the unpredictable Italian weather.
“This year I took a bit of a different approach. I started to take my allergy medication already last week. And apparently they said that that’s supposed to help build it up for this week.” She explained.
“Then I tried some different medications. As soon as I got here, I started sneezing and not feeling good. So they (the doctors) put me on some different stuff, and it’s been helping.
“So far, so good. I also think the rain has helped that it’s kept it down. So, I’m okay for now.”
Ironically, it is in Rome, where Wozniacki could reclaim the world No.1 ranking back from Simona Halep. The Romanian is defending 585 points this week. Meaning that she needs to reach at least the quarter-finals and finish one round ahead of Wozniacki. Should they both clash in the final, the winner would claim the No.1 position a week prior to the French Open.
Wozniacki will play her third round match against Anastasija Sevastova on Thursday. A player who she has a 3-0 head-to-head record against.
