Germany’s Julia Goerges has continued her winning streak on the WTA Tour by stunning top seed Caroline Wozniacki 6-4, 7-6(4), in the final of the ASB Classic in Auckland.
The world No.14 entered her first tournament of the year on a nine-match winning streak after ending last season by winning back-to-back titles in Moscow and Zhuhai. Similarly Wozniacki was also on a winning run herself after triumphing in the season-ending WTA Finals last November.
During a match of fine margins, it was Gorges who managed to have the edge. Hitting an impressive 41 winners to only 23 unforced errors compared to Wozniacki’s tally of 18 and 12. During both sets the German broke Wozniacki at the start to lead the proceedings. It wasn’t until the 18th game of the match where world No.3 Wozniacki managed to break as she forced a second set tiebreaker.
Despite Wozniacki’s mini comeback during the second set, it wasn’t enough to tame 29-year-old Goerges. Who sealed the match with a clean forehand winner down the line in the tiebreaker.
“It feels amazing, I must say,” wtatennis.com quotes Goerges as saying following the match. “It’s not just about winning here, but the consistency I’ve had for the last few weeks and months. That makes me prouder, and I’m just enjoying every moment of it.”
Sunday’s Triumph was Goerges’ fourth appearance in an Auckland final during her career. In 2012 and 2013 she settled for runner-up in the doubles competition. Then in 2015 she was ousted in the singles final in straight sets by Sloane Stephens.
Goerges, who is now on a 14-match winning streak, is set to rise to a career ranking high of 12th in the world.
“I’ll try to improve and work hard and we’ll see what number comes in front of my name.” – @juliagoerges, your @ASB_Classic champion pic.twitter.com/1Mxq8curur
— WTA (@WTA) 7 January 2018
Wozniacki undeterred
Runner-up Wozniacki refused to be downbeat following her defeat. The Dane will rise to world No.2 on Monday following her run in Auckland. Her highest position on the WTA rankings since 2012. Heading into the Australian Open, she is remaining confident about her chances of ending her grand slam title drought.
“I’ve got a lot of matches under my belt this week, it was the preparation I hoped for,” said Wozniacki.
“Now I can take a day off tomorrow and fly to Melbourne and get used to courts over there, and the conditions, and hopefully it’s going to be a great couple of weeks.”
As well as a maiden grand slam title, the world No.1 ranking will also be on the line. Wozniacki currently trails Simona Halep by less than 400 points in the race. Should she once again rise back to the top after six years, Wozniacki would set a new record in the longest gap held in holding the No.1 spot. Serena Williams currently holds the record at five years and 29 days.
“Everyone wants to be number one, but it’s something I’ve done before and obviously it would be nice to do it again, but honestly I think i’m just thinking about being in the finals, holding trophies, lifting trophies.” She explained.
The Australian Open will get underway on January 15th.
