Former US Open finalist Caroline Wozniacki is ‘optimistic’ about her US Open chances after reaching the third round in New York.
The former world number one is into the third round after defeating Renata Zarazua 6-3 6-3.
Despite not hitting top form this season, the 34 year-old is into the last 32 as she aims to make big strides towards a leap up the rankings.
It was this time last year where Wozniacki returned to tennis with a bang as she reached the second week of the US Open, losing to eventual champion Coco Gauff in the last 16.
Although the Dane hasn’t matched her high expectations since her comeback, Wozniacki is satisfied with how her US Open campaign has gone so far, “I think I played extremely well in the first match. I think there was really not much that I would have done better today,” Wozniacki said in her post-match press conference.
“Very different opponent. She really took the pace off the ball. Then it became hard to really finish off the point. Yeah, I felt like there were moments where I could have finished off the point easier or quicker, but I had to be out there grinding.
“But I’m happy that I was able to just finish it off in two sets. Obviously my body has been a little wonky. So that’s something that obviously is slightly concerning, but also something that I’m very optimistic about having the day off tomorrow and then getting that all settled before my next match.
“Lots of positives to bring with me moving forward. Honestly it’s all about just getting through. Good or not so good or great, doesn’t really matter as long as I get through.”
The world number 71 has the experience and knows what it takes to go deep in tournaments.
Now Wozniacki aims to reach the last 16 for a second consecutive year but who’s to say she can’t go all the way to the final like she did on two previous occasions.
Speaking about the future, the Dane was optimistic about her chances in New York and believes she can go far over the fortnight, “Yeah, I think it’s very satisfying. I love playing out on the big courts. I love playing in prime time and playing at these stages of the tournament,” Wozniacki stated.
“I feel very satisfied that I’m in the third round and that I have the opportunity to play another match and go even deeper. Obviously I believe in myself and in my game.
“If my body can hold up and if everything kind of goes the right direction, I believe that I can go very far. How far? We’ll see. Obviously I always believed in myself. This is one of those times that I’m playing a tournament that I feel very much at home.
“It’s a very good surface for me. I feel optimistic about that.”
Wozniacki’s optimism will be put to the test on Saturday when she plays a fresh Jessika Ponchet.
Ponchet went through to the third round after fourth seed Elena Rybakina withdrew from the tournament due to injury.