Caroline Wozniacki admits there are ‘quite a few things’ that she would like to improve in her game as she continues her comeback.
The former world No.1 played her first competitive match in over three years at the Canadian Open last week where she defeated Kimberly Birrell in the first round before losing in straight sets to Marketa Vondrousova in the second round. Wozniacki’s next match took place at the Western and Southern Open on Tuesday where she was beaten 6-4, 6-4, by French lucky loser Varvara Gracheva. She was originally set to play Elina Svitolina in the draw but the Ukranian had to pull out due to a foot injury.
Now three matches into her comeback, the 33-year-old is eager to improve her game in the coming days ahead of the US Open. She is a two-time runner-up at Flushing Meadows in 2009 and 2014. She also reached the semi-final stage on three other occasions.
“I still have about 10 days to prepare for the US Open. There are quite a few things that I feel like I need to do better,” Wozniacki said following her loss to Gracheva.
“Last week I was pretty pleased about where I was. I think this week I don’t feel like my timing is exactly where I want it to be, so I’m just going to go back and work hard.’
“I will stay here (in Cincinnati) for a little while and work hard. Get a bunch of tennis in and put some hours in.”
Due to her lack of match play, the odds of Wozniacki staging a stunning run to the US Open title are against her. However, the Dane is determined to give it her best shot as she strives for ‘perfection’ on the court. So far in her career, she has won 30 WTA titles but one only of those occurred at a Grand Slam tournament. That was back in 2018 when she defeated Simona Halep to win the Australian Open.
“I believe in myself and I believe that I can,” she replied when asked if she could make a big splash on the women’s tour once again.
“It’s just taking me a little bit of time to get used to the matches again and competing in real tournaments.’
“I don’t really feel the expectations from everyone else. I think I have always just been tough on myself. I’m looking for perfection, which is not possible in this sport but I’m just gonna work hard and try and play better and better.”
Wozniacki is playing in the main draw at this year’s US Open after being awarded a wild card. It will be her 52nd appearance at a major tournament and her 14th at the US Open.
