23-time grand slam champion Serena Williams has said that she is ‘proud’ of Caroline Wozniacki for winning the Australian Open.
The Danish player defeated Simona Halep in the final on Saturday to win her maiden grand slam title. Wozniacki will also return back to No.1 in the world for the first time in six years. The triumph has been hailed by Williams, who hasn’t played on the tour since January 2017 after giving birth to a baby daughter.
“I got too nervous to watch but woke up to @CaroWozniacki new number one and aussie open champ,” Williams wrote on Twitter.
“So awesome. So happy. Are those tears? Yup they are. From a year ago to today I’m so proud my friend so proud. Literally can’t even sleep now.” She added.
The 36-year-old was one of many to praise Wozniacki for prevailing in the marathon encounter, which lasted nearly three hours. Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli described the match as ‘one of the best’ women’s final she has ever seen. The French player is set to return to the tour later this year after a retirement lasting almost five years.
“I think one of the best women’s final I ever seen. Talking about incredible fighters on the court tonight. I am so sad one had to lose because they both were beyond AMAZING!!!” She wrote.
World No.10 Johanna Konta has hailed Wozniacki’s clash with Halep as a shining example of women’s tennis. Konta defeated Wozniacki in straight sets twice last year.
I’m so incredibly proud to be a part of women’s tennis in this day and age. What a tournament for both @CaroWozniacki and @Simona_Halep 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 @WTA @AustralianOpen
— Johanna Konta (@JohannaKonta) January 27, 2018
During her press conference in Melbourne, Wozniacki spoke about her relief of finally winning a grand slam title. Throughout her career, the Dane has been labelled as the No.1 player who has never won a major title. Wozniacki has topped the WTA rankings for a total of 67 weeks so far.
“I think that’s one of the most positive things about all of this. I’m never going to get that question again. I’m just waiting for the question, When are you going to win the second one?” She joked.
Tennis world reacts to Wozniacki’s win
What a final of the @AustralianOpen thank you @Simona_Halep and @CaroWozniacki for this amazing fight. Congratulations to both of you #womentennisrocks
— Conchita Martínez 💙 (@conchitamartinz) January 27, 2018
Big congrats to @CaroWozniacki for finally capturing her first grand slam title.🏆👏👏👏 #AusOpen
— Jonas Bjorkman (@BjorkmanTennis) January 27, 2018
What a match !!! @CaroWozniacki v @Simona_Halep …both players deserve all the credit in the world but it’s #Wozniacki time to shine ! #1 #Champion
— Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) January 27, 2018
How good was that match?! Women’s tennis keeping everyone on the edge of their seat! Congratulations to both @CaroWozniacki and @Simona_Halep – Thank you for representing us in such a remarkable way on and off the court! What a tournament.💞🎾@AustralianOpen @WTA
— Shelby Rogers (@Shelby_Rogers_) January 27, 2018
Ecstatic for @CaroWozniacki! Well deserved! But gutted for @Simona_Halep. Knew this outcome would bring up extreme contrasting emotions w/ 1st major on line for both well liked ladies. @WTA #lifechanging
— Tracy Austin (@thetracyaustin) January 27, 2018
Congratulations @CaroWozniacki – welcome to the Club.
— Rod Laver (@rodlaver) January 27, 2018
What a final !!!!! Congrats @CaroWozniacki !!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻@AustralianOpen
— Donna Vekic (@DonnaVekic) January 27, 2018
