World number two Caroline Wozniacki suffered a shock defeat in Auckland after she lost to Canadian qualifier Bianca Andreescu 6-4 6-4.
Last year’s finalist was struggling throughout the match and lost to the world number 152 in straight sets in the second round of the ASB Classic in Auckland.
The loss is not ideal preparation for Wozniacki as she prepares to defend her Australian Open title in 11 days time as it was her first defeat to someone outside the top 150 since 2017.
As for Andreescu she was highly emotional after the contest as she seems to have rediscovered some good form after some tough injuries, “Honestly, I can’t believe it right now,” the Canadian said in her on-court interview.
“‘I’ve dreamed of playing on this stage against top players and now I’m here. I’ve had a couple of back issues the past couple of months. I just fought until the end.”
An incredible win for Andreescu means she will now play Venus Williams in the quarter-finals after she defeated compatriot Lauren Davis in Auckland.
The sixth seed backed up her win over Victoria Azarenka by breaking three times for a 6-4 6-3 win over Davis. It’s an important tournament for Venus if she wants to be seeded for the first slam of the season.
Her seeding hopes were boosted after Barbora Strycova was defeated by Amanda Anisimova 6-3 6-3 in 1 hour and 22 minutes. The Czech Republican is currently the 32nd seed for the Australian Open.
As for Anisimova she will now play Viktoria Kuzmova in the quarter-finals after the Slovakian edged past Sofia Kenin 7-5 5-7 6-3.
