Caroline Wozniacki Starts off New Year with Run to ASB Classic Final

Caroline Wozniacki began 2018 in impressive fashion, reaching the Final at the ASB Classic for the second time in her career. It was her first trip to the Final at the tournament in Auckland, New Zealand since 2015.

Caroline successfully reached the Quarterfinal after defeating Madison Brengle 6-3, 6-0 and Round of 32, and Petra Martic 6-2, 6-2 in Round of 16. Awaiting Caroline in the QF was Sofia Kenin – whom she would play for the first time in her career. It was a slow start for Caroline as she lost the first set, but rebounded to beat Kenin two-and-a-half hours by the score of 4-6, 6-2, 6-4.

Caroline’s next opponent Sachia Vickery in the Semifinal. Vickery had a breakout week, but Caroline withstood the momentum and overcame Vickery 6-4, 6-4 in a tight match. “I really had to dig deep and stay focused,” Wozniacki said after the competitive match.

In the Final, Caroline would face Julia Goerges of Germany. Both Wozniacki and Georges were forced to double up their Quarterfinal and Semifinal matches the previous day due to rain, but Caroline was looking forward to the challenge. “It’s going to be a tough match tomorrow but I’m just excited for the challenge and it’s a great lead-up for me, I feel good about my game and my body,” she said.

Caroline, looking for her first ASB Classic title, would eventually fall to Goerges 6-4, 7-6(4). Despite the loss, Caroline moved up to No. 2 in the world heading and playing well as she heads to the Australian Open, where she will be the second seed.