Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki says respect is the key to her strong bond with father and coach Piotr on the tour following her opening win at the ASB Classic.
Wozniacki, who is the top seed in Auckland this week, dropped just five games during her 6-3, 6-2, win over Germany’s Laura Siegemund. Despite the seemingly straightforward score, the Danish player is eager to seek improvement ahead of her next match. Against Siegemund, Wozniacki won 66% of her service points and converted five out of nine break point opportunities.
“It wasn’t the prettiest match I’ve played, I was just trying to get back into the rhythm,” Wozniacki said in her press conference.
“She doesn’t give you much rhythm so I tried all of the time.
“But I’ve been practicing really well, so I’m hoping every match is going to be better and in every match I’m going to be playing better.”
This week the 28-year-old is bidding to win the Auckland title for the first time in her career after settling for runner-up on two previous occasions. In the next round she will play Canadian qualifier Bianca Andreescu, who is currently ranked 152nd in the world. Andreescu defeated Hungary’s Timea Babos in the first round.
Guiding Wozniacki on the tour is her father Piotr. Compared to the 1980s and 1990s, a parent coaching their child on the tour has become more rare. However, Wozniacki makes no secret of how much of an important role her father has played in the development of her career.
“My dad is awesome. He’s a great support and he is always there. He’s a great support and just a great guy all around. A lot has happened in our family over the past year and he’s just a great rock.” She said.
Ask to elaborate further about what make their coaching relationships work, Wozniacki placed it all down to respect.
“I think it’s the respect. That’s the key.” She said. “We have respect and trust in each other. I know that he wants the best for me and I know that he always for a way for me to improve as a tennis player.”
Wozniacki will play her second round match against Andreescu on Thursday.
Elsewhere at the tournament, Eugenie Bouchard booked her place in the quarter-finals after coming through a marathon match. The former Wimbledon finalist outlasted Dutch qualifier Bibiane Schoofs 6-7(5), 5-4, 6-4, during what was a roller-coaster match. Hsieh Su-wei also reached the quarter-finals after dismissing Monica Puig in straight sets.
