Playing in only her third tournament since deciding to resume her career after a three-year absence, Caroline Wozniacki has knocked world No.11 Petra Kvitova out in straight sets at the US Open.
Wozniacki, who is playing in her first Grand Slam tournament since the 2020 Australian Open, battled her way to a 7-5, 7-6(5), win over the Czech in what is only the fifth match of her comeback. The former world No.1 hit a total of 22 winners and won 74% of her first service points. It was the first time she had played Kvitova on the Tour since the 2018 WTA Finals and the 15th overall.
“I knew coming into the match that I had a chance to win, and I believe in myself. At the same time, she obviously has had a great year. She’s 11 in the world, and loves to play on hard courts,” said Wozniacki.
“I knew it was going to be a very tough one and I had to play my best tennis. I’m just so thrilled to have an opportunity to play out on Arthur Ashe Stadium.”
Despite her lack of match play leading up to the New York mayor, the 33-year-old mother-of-two appears to be swiftly finding her footing once again. She is a two-time finalist at the US Open with this year being her 14th main draw appearance.
“Ever since I arrived here, it’s just something about the courts, everything else, that has made me feel good,” she said.
“I feel like I played well today. I’m so happy I managed to close it out, even missing a couple of those match points. I’m happy that I just stayed calm and collected and I managed to win in the end anyway.”
Wozniacki has now recorded 40 wins at the US Open in her career which makes her the first Danish player in history to have reached this milestone. She has won more matches at this tournament than any other Grand Slam event.
Through to the third round in New York for the ninth time in her career, Wozniacki will next play Jennifer Brady who is also on the comeback trail after being hampered by injury in recent months. Brady upset 24th seed Magda Linette 6-1, 2-6, 6-2, in her second-round match.
