Former Wimbledon champion and World No. 1 Simona Halep has fired shots at compatriot Caroline Wozniacki after she spoke on the former’s wildcard entry in the ongoing Miami Open. The WTA 1000 event in Miami saw Halep being awarded a wildcard to mark her return to tennis having been initially banned from playing for testing positive in a dope test in 2022. However, after a successful appeal at the Court of Arbitration of Sports (CAS), her ban was reduced paving the way for a return to the sport and facing&nbsp;Paula Badosa at the Miami Open on Tuesday (Mar 19).

<h2>Halep returns to tennis action</h2>

Halep’s return to the court did get off to a good start after she outsmarted former World No. 2 Badosa in the first set on Tuesday (Mar 19). However, Halep was then taken down to earth after she lost back-to-back sets and was beaten 1-6, 6-4, 6-3. After the match Halep addressed the media having returned to action after 18 months, the Romanian opened on the claims made by Wozniacki and feels she has not done anything wrong.

"I didn't do anything wrong," said Halep. "I didn't cheat. I didn't dope. So it's better if we read the decision from CAS that it was a contaminated supplement, it wasn't doping," said&nbsp;Halep.

"I never had something to do with doping. I never doped, so I'm not a cheater.

"Thank you to the tournament for giving me the wildcard and have the possibility to play in such a big tournament. It was great to be back,” the Romanian added.

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<h2>What did Wozniacki say?</h2>

Wozniacki had earlier claimed that players do not deserve wildcards who have been found guilty in dope tests. According to Wozniacki, she was not targeting the 2019 Wimbledon champion but wanted a fair and clean sport.

"I've been very outspoken in the past how I feel about doping and all of that," said Wozniacki, adding that she likes Halep. "I have always wanted a clean sport, fair for everybody. I think it's definitely still my opinion.

"This is not directly at Simona, but if someone purposely cheats, if someone has tested positive for doping it's my personal belief that I don't think people should be awarded wildcards afterwards,” Wozniacki said while addressing the Halep wildcard.

Former Wimbledon champion and World No. 1 Simona Halep has fired shots at compatriot Caroline Wozniacki after she spoke on the former’s wildcard entry in the ongoing Miami Open.

Former Wimbledon champion and World No. 1 Simona Halep has fired shots at compatriot Caroline Wozniacki after she spoke on the former’s wildcard entry in the ongoing Miami Open. The WTA 1000 event in Miami saw Halep being awarded a wildcard to mark her return to tennis having been initially banned from playing for testing positive in a dope test in 2022. However, after a successful appeal at the Court of Arbitration of Sports (CAS), her ban was reduced paving the way for a return to the sport and facing Paula Badosa at the Miami Open on Tuesday (Mar 19). Halep returns to tennis action Halep’s return to the court did get off to a good start after she outsmarted former World No. 2 Badosa in the first set on Tuesday (Mar 19). However, Halep was then taken down to earth after she lost back-to-back sets and was beaten 1-6, 6-4, 6-3. After the match Halep addressed the media having returned to action after 18 months, the Romanian opened on the claims made by Wozniacki and feels she has not done anything wrong. "I didn't do anything wrong," said Halep. "I didn't cheat. I didn't dope. So it's better if we read the decision from CAS that it was a contaminated supplement, it wasn't doping," said Halep. "I never had something to do with doping. I never doped, so I'm not a cheater. "Thank you to the tournament for giving me the wildcard and have the possibility to play in such a big tournament. It was great to be back,” the Romanian added. ALSO READ | Tennis: Simona Halep's return from doping cut short by Paula Badosa at Miami Masters What did Wozniacki say? Wozniacki had earlier claimed that players do not deserve wildcards who have been found guilty in dope tests. According to Wozniacki, she was not targeting the 2019 Wimbledon champion but wanted a fair and clean sport. "I've been very outspoken in the past how I feel about doping and all of that," said Wozniacki, adding that she likes Halep. "I have always wanted a clean sport, fair for everybody. I think it's definitely still my opinion. "This is not directly at Simona, but if someone purposely cheats, if someone has tested positive for doping it's my personal belief that I don't think people should be awarded wildcards afterwards,” Wozniacki said while addressing the Halep wildcard.

Simona Halep fires shot at Caroline Wozniacki over wildcard entry row in Miami Open, says 'I'm not a cheater'

Top seed Iga Swiatek swatted aside Yulia Putintseva 6-1 6-2 on Tuesday to set up an Indian Wells quarter-final clash with former world number one Caroline Wozniacki. Swiatek got off to a slow start and saved four break points in the third game before finding her groove. The Pole then raced to a 5-1 lead, prompting Putintseva to throw her racket to the floor in frustration, before wrapping the opener up in less than 30 minutes.

Swiatek, the 2022 champion, made early inroads in the second set and while Putintseva started going for her shots more the 22-year-old world number one proved too strong for her Kazakh opponent. "I knew I had to keep my focus (in the second set), she was trying different stuff out there," said Swiatek, who dropped serve twice in the second frame. "But I just really wanted to play my game and focus on what I want to do. I'm glad I did that."

Wozniacki, who returned to the tour last year after stepping away from the sport in 2020 to start a family, eased past fellow mother Angelique Kerber 6-4 6-2 earlier in the day. "She's a really experienced player," Swiatek said of the 2011 champion. "I think she's playing great after her maternity break, she was fighting to come back. "I have huge respect. It's going to be a nice match."

Wozniacki said she was relishing the opportunity to continue her run at Indian Wells, after making the quarters for the first time in four years. "I'm just enjoying myself and I'm just thrilled I get another match in front of all of you guys," she said.

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Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk defeated Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-4 6-1 and next meets another Russian in Anastasia Potapova, who beat Jasmine Paolini 7-5 0-6 6-3. Kostyuk dropped only four points on serve in the match and broke Pavlyuchenkova five times to reach her first quarter-final at a WTA 1000 event. Kostyuk had edged Pavlyuchenkova in a three-setter in San Diego earlier this month but had an easier time in their fourth round battle.

"It definitely helped that I played her (recently)," the 21-year-old Kostyuk, who reached the Australian Open quarters in January for her best result at a Grand Slam, told the Tennis Channel. "The conditions were much better for my game here, the ball bounces much higher and it's a bit warmer. I didn't feel like I was in so much trouble like I did in San Diego."

Potapova booked her first trip to the quarter-finals of a Masters event with her win over Dubai champion Paolini, snapping the Italian's eight-match winning streak.

Top seed Iga Swiatek swatted aside Yulia Putintseva 6-1 6-2 on Tuesday to set up an Indian Wells quarter-final clash with former world number one Caroline Wozniacki.

Top seed Iga Swiatek swatted aside Yulia Putintseva 6-1 6-2 on Tuesday to set up an Indian Wells quarter-final clash with former world number one Caroline Wozniacki. Swiatek got off to a slow start and saved four break points in the third game before finding her groove. The Pole then raced to a 5-1 lead, prompting Putintseva to throw her racket to the floor in frustration, before wrapping the opener up in less than 30 minutes. Swiatek, the 2022 champion, made early inroads in the second set and while Putintseva started going for her shots more the 22-year-old world number one proved too strong for her Kazakh opponent. "I knew I had to keep my focus (in the second set), she was trying different stuff out there," said Swiatek, who dropped serve twice in the second frame. "But I just really wanted to play my game and focus on what I want to do. I'm glad I did that." Wozniacki, who returned to the tour last year after stepping away from the sport in 2020 to start a family, eased past fellow mother Angelique Kerber 6-4 6-2 earlier in the day. "She's a really experienced player," Swiatek said of the 2011 champion. "I think she's playing great after her maternity break, she was fighting to come back. "I have huge respect. It's going to be a nice match." Wozniacki said she was relishing the opportunity to continue her run at Indian Wells, after making the quarters for the first time in four years. "I'm just enjoying myself and I'm just thrilled I get another match in front of all of you guys," she said. Also read: Rugby: Two-time world champions Australia slump to new low in world rankings as Italy rise Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk defeated Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-4 6-1 and next meets another Russian in Anastasia Potapova, who beat Jasmine Paolini 7-5 0-6 6-3. Kostyuk dropped only four points on serve in the match and broke Pavlyuchenkova five times to reach her first quarter-final at a WTA 1000 event. Kostyuk had edged Pavlyuchenkova in a three-setter in San Diego earlier this month but had an easier time in their fourth round battle. "It definitely helped that I played her (recently)," the 21-year-old Kostyuk, who reached the Australian Open quarters in January for her best result at a Grand Slam, told the Tennis Channel. "The conditions were much better for my game here, the ball bounces much higher and it's a bit warmer. I didn't feel like I was in so much trouble like I did in San Diego." Potapova booked her first trip to the quarter-finals of a Masters event with her win over Dubai champion Paolini, snapping the Italian's eight-match winning streak.

Tennis: Poland's Iga Swiatek surges at Indian Wells to book quarterfinal with Caroline Wozniacki

Grand Slam champions Naomi Osaka, Emma Raducanu and Caroline Wozniacki reached the second round of Indian Wells on Thursday while former world number one Venus Williams was heading for victory before losing the last 10 games to Japan's Nao Hibino.

Four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka, who returned to the tour in January after a maternity break, fell behind 2-1 in the first set to qualifier Sara Errani when she misfired on an overhead into the net in windy conditions.

But the Japanese player settled in from there, using her power to push the Italian around the court and won 10 of the final 11 games to advance 6-3 6-1.

"It was really tricky for me in the first set," she told reporters.

"I didn't know if I should play with her and then go for my shots or if I should immediately go for my shots. That took a little bit of working out, which is why the first set was closer than I would have wanted."

Osaka, who received a wildcard to play at the event she won in 2018 for her first professional title, next faces 14th seed Liudmila Samsonova of Russia.

Former U.S. Open champion Raducanu beat Spanish qualifier Rebeka Masarova 6-2 6-3 earlier in the day to set up a second-round clash with 30th seed Dayana Yastremska of Ukraine.

The British wildcard broke serve six times but also served eight double faults and needed four match points to close out the contest, which ended when Masarova's backhand sailed long.

Raducanu is playing in her fifth tournament since returning to action in January after being sidelined for eight months due to wrist and ankle surgeries.

Wozniacki, 33, scored her first win in the California desert since 2019, beating Zhu Lin 7-6(6) 6-1 in a match that began on Wednesday before being halted due to rain.

The Dane returned to the tour last year after stepping away from the sport in 2020 to start a family. The tournament's 2011 champion and former world number one will next take on Croatian Donna Vekic, who is seeded 25th.

Seven-time Grand Slam champion Williams looked poised for victory leading 6-2 3-2 before Hibino turned the tables for a 2-6 6-3 6-0 win.

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The 43-year-old American had not played since suffering an early exit from last year's U.S. Open, where she fell to qualifier Greet Minnen in the first round.

Danielle Collins will face world number one Iga Swiatek in a blockbuster second-round clash after the American edged Russian qualifier Erika Andreeva 7-6(3) 7-6(6).

Collins rallied from 5-3 down in the first set and saved two set points in the second to beat Andreeva and set up a meeting with familiar foe Swiatek.

Collins, 30, announced in January that this would be her last season on the WTA Tour but said her trademark competitiveness is unchanged.

"I feel like it's animal mode from the moment I walk in," she said.

Grand Slam champions Naomi Osaka, Emma Raducanu and Caroline Wozniacki reached the second round of Indian Wells on Thursday while former world number one Venus Williams was heading for victory before losing the last 10 games to Japan's Nao Hibino.

Grand Slam champions Naomi Osaka, Emma Raducanu and Caroline Wozniacki reached the second round of Indian Wells on Thursday while former world number one Venus Williams was heading for victory before losing the last 10 games to Japan's Nao Hibino. Four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka, who returned to the tour in January after a maternity break, fell behind 2-1 in the first set to qualifier Sara Errani when she misfired on an overhead into the net in windy conditions. But the Japanese player settled in from there, using her power to push the Italian around the court and won 10 of the final 11 games to advance 6-3 6-1. "It was really tricky for me in the first set," she told reporters. "I didn't know if I should play with her and then go for my shots or if I should immediately go for my shots. That took a little bit of working out, which is why the first set was closer than I would have wanted." Osaka, who received a wildcard to play at the event she won in 2018 for her first professional title, next faces 14th seed Liudmila Samsonova of Russia. Former U.S. Open champion Raducanu beat Spanish qualifier Rebeka Masarova 6-2 6-3 earlier in the day to set up a second-round clash with 30th seed Dayana Yastremska of Ukraine. The British wildcard broke serve six times but also served eight double faults and needed four match points to close out the contest, which ended when Masarova's backhand sailed long. Raducanu is playing in her fifth tournament since returning to action in January after being sidelined for eight months due to wrist and ankle surgeries. Wozniacki, 33, scored her first win in the California desert since 2019, beating Zhu Lin 7-6(6) 6-1 in a match that began on Wednesday before being halted due to rain. The Dane returned to the tour last year after stepping away from the sport in 2020 to start a family. The tournament's 2011 champion and former world number one will next take on Croatian Donna Vekic, who is seeded 25th. Seven-time Grand Slam champion Williams looked poised for victory leading 6-2 3-2 before Hibino turned the tables for a 2-6 6-3 6-0 win. ALSO READ | Leicester City at risk of points deduction for breaching profit and sustainability regulations The 43-year-old American had not played since suffering an early exit from last year's U.S. Open, where she fell to qualifier Greet Minnen in the first round. Danielle Collins will face world number one Iga Swiatek in a blockbuster second-round clash after the American edged Russian qualifier Erika Andreeva 7-6(3) 7-6(6). Collins rallied from 5-3 down in the first set and saved two set points in the second to beat Andreeva and set up a meeting with familiar foe Swiatek. Collins, 30, announced in January that this would be her last season on the WTA Tour but said her trademark competitiveness is unchanged. "I feel like it's animal mode from the moment I walk in," she said.

Tennis: Naomi Osaka, Emma Raducanu and Caroline Wozniacki reach Indian Wells second round

Novak Djokovic rolled into his 13th US Open quarter-final on Sunday after Coco Gauff ended Caroline Wozniacki's fairytale Grand Slam comeback to line up a potential blockbuster with defending champion Iga Swiatek.

Three-time US Open winner Djokovic cruised past 105th-ranked Croatian qualifier Borna Gojo 6-2, 7-5, 6-4 to book a showdown with American No.1 Taylor Fritz in the last eight.

After recovering from two sets down in the previous round, Djokovic dictated from the outset against 25-year-old outsider Gojo who had won just one Grand Slam match prior to this week.

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Djokovic broke twice in the first set, the 23-time Grand Slam winner shaking off an early wobble in the second and procuring another break in the third to polish off Gojo without the drama of his preceding five-set victory over Laslo Djere.&nbsp;

"I knew that Borna has a big game, I don't think we ever faced each other on tour level to be honest," said Djokovic.

"He's a big shot player, serve and forehand, big weapons, moves pretty well for a big guy. The key to the match was to try and neutralise his serve. Just glad to get through in straight sets."

The 36-year-old Serbian star&nbsp;will on Tuesday look to continue his dominance of Fritz, a player he's beaten in all seven past meetings including a one-sided affair in Cincinnati last month.

"He's been playing some terrific tennis particularly on home soil here in the States," Djokovic said of Fritz.&nbsp;

"Obviously the matches are going to get tougher from here onwards and I'm ready. It's going to be great."

Fritz became the third American man to reach the quarter-finals Sunday after a straight-sets win over Swiss qualifier Dominic Stricker.

The ninth seed knocked out world number 128 Stricker 7-6 (7/2), 6-4, 6-4 to match his mother Kathy May's run to the 1978 US Open quarter-finals.

He joins compatriots Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton in the next round. It is the first time the US has had three men's quarter-finalists in New York since 2005.

Tiafoe, seeded 10th, advanced to an all-American quarter-final against 47th-ranked Shelton after defeating Australia's Rinky Hijikata 6-4, 6-1, 6-4.

The 25-year-old Tiafoe reached the semi-finals of the US Open last year where he lost in five sets to eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz.

Meanwhile Shelton, 20, took down 14th-seeded compatriot Tommy Paul in four sets to reach his second Grand Slam quarter-final of the year.

He avenged his loss to Paul in the last eight of the Australian Open, winning 6-4, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 to become the youngest American man to reach the US Open quarters since Andy Roddick in 2002.

<h2>Gauff eyes Swiatek showdown</h2>

Home favourite and sixth seed Gauff was taken to three sets for the third time in four rounds this week before edging out former world number one Wozniacki 6-3, 3-6, 6-1.

The 19-year-old could meet defending champion Swiatek in the last eight after Gauff picked up her 15th win in 16 matches, a run including titles in Washington and Cincinnati last month.

Gauff sparked into life after dropping the opening two games to pocket the opening set, but Wozniacki -- playing her first Grand Slam in over three years -- wound back the clock to level the match.

Two-time US Open runner-up Wozniacki broke to start the deciding set, triggering a ferocious response from Gauff who swept the final six games to close out a gutsy victory.

"Caroline is back, it's like she's never left," Gauff said of the 33-year-old Wozniacki, appearing in just her third tournament since returning to the sport last month.

"The level she played today was amazing, and she's been an inspiration for me growing up."

Wozniacki, who made her tour debut when Gauff was only one, retired after the 2020 Australian Open to start a family, giving birth to two children.&nbsp;

She was trying to emulate Kim Clijsters, who beat the Dane in the 2009 US Open final on her own return to Grand Slam tennis from maternity leave.

Later on Sunday, Swiatek takes on the dangerous Latvian Jelena Ostapenko in the evening session in a clash of French Open champions past and present.

World number one Swiatek is 0-3 against the unpredictable Ostapenko but this is their first meeting at a Grand Slam.

"With Jelena, it's a little bit like one day she can play a perfect match and just put everything in even though she's really risking, and the other day can be different," said Swiatek.

"You never know what to expect."

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Novak Djokovic rolled into his 13th US Open quarter-final on Sunday after Coco Gauff ended Caroline Wozniacki's fairytale Grand Slam comeback to line up a potential blockbuster with defending champion Iga Swiatek.

Novak Djokovic rolled into his 13th US Open quarter-final on Sunday after Coco Gauff ended Caroline Wozniacki's fairytale Grand Slam comeback to line up a potential blockbuster with defending champion Iga Swiatek. Three-time US Open winner Djokovic cruised past 105th-ranked Croatian qualifier Borna Gojo 6-2, 7-5, 6-4 to book a showdown with American No.1 Taylor Fritz in the last eight. After recovering from two sets down in the previous round, Djokovic dictated from the outset against 25-year-old outsider Gojo who had won just one Grand Slam match prior to this week. Also Read: PL: Late drama unfolds at Emirates as Arsenal stun Manchester United 3-1 in thriller Djokovic broke twice in the first set, the 23-time Grand Slam winner shaking off an early wobble in the second and procuring another break in the third to polish off Gojo without the drama of his preceding five-set victory over Laslo Djere. "I knew that Borna has a big game, I don't think we ever faced each other on tour level to be honest," said Djokovic. "He's a big shot player, serve and forehand, big weapons, moves pretty well for a big guy. The key to the match was to try and neutralise his serve. Just glad to get through in straight sets." The 36-year-old Serbian star will on Tuesday look to continue his dominance of Fritz, a player he's beaten in all seven past meetings including a one-sided affair in Cincinnati last month. "He's been playing some terrific tennis particularly on home soil here in the States," Djokovic said of Fritz. "Obviously the matches are going to get tougher from here onwards and I'm ready. It's going to be great." Fritz became the third American man to reach the quarter-finals Sunday after a straight-sets win over Swiss qualifier Dominic Stricker. The ninth seed knocked out world number 128 Stricker 7-6 (7/2), 6-4, 6-4 to match his mother Kathy May's run to the 1978 US Open quarter-finals. He joins compatriots Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton in the next round. It is the first time the US has had three men's quarter-finalists in New York since 2005. Tiafoe, seeded 10th, advanced to an all-American quarter-final against 47th-ranked Shelton after defeating Australia's Rinky Hijikata 6-4, 6-1, 6-4. The 25-year-old Tiafoe reached the semi-finals of the US Open last year where he lost in five sets to eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz. Meanwhile Shelton, 20, took down 14th-seeded compatriot Tommy Paul in four sets to reach his second Grand Slam quarter-final of the year. He avenged his loss to Paul in the last eight of the Australian Open, winning 6-4, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 to become the youngest American man to reach the US Open quarters since Andy Roddick in 2002. Gauff eyes Swiatek showdown Home favourite and sixth seed Gauff was taken to three sets for the third time in four rounds this week before edging out former world number one Wozniacki 6-3, 3-6, 6-1. The 19-year-old could meet defending champion Swiatek in the last eight after Gauff picked up her 15th win in 16 matches, a run including titles in Washington and Cincinnati last month. Gauff sparked into life after dropping the opening two games to pocket the opening set, but Wozniacki -- playing her first Grand Slam in over three years -- wound back the clock to level the match. Two-time US Open runner-up Wozniacki broke to start the deciding set, triggering a ferocious response from Gauff who swept the final six games to close out a gutsy victory. "Caroline is back, it's like she's never left," Gauff said of the 33-year-old Wozniacki, appearing in just her third tournament since returning to the sport last month. "The level she played today was amazing, and she's been an inspiration for me growing up." Wozniacki, who made her tour debut when Gauff was only one, retired after the 2020 Australian Open to start a family, giving birth to two children. She was trying to emulate Kim Clijsters, who beat the Dane in the 2009 US Open final on her own return to Grand Slam tennis from maternity leave. Later on Sunday, Swiatek takes on the dangerous Latvian Jelena Ostapenko in the evening session in a clash of French Open champions past and present. World number one Swiatek is 0-3 against the unpredictable Ostapenko but this is their first meeting at a Grand Slam. "With Jelena, it's a little bit like one day she can play a perfect match and just put everything in even though she's really risking, and the other day can be different," said Swiatek. "You never know what to expect." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Tennis: Coco Gauff ends Wozniacki's dream run,  Novak Djokovic enters last eight in US Open

The US Open Day 3 saw a string of big upsets as women’s No.11 seed and former Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova lost in straight sets to Caroline Wozniacki as the Danish star continued her fairytale return. The day also saw easy wins for three-time champion Novak Djokovic and women’s defending champion Iga Swiatek. In big upsets, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Casper Ruud of Norway crashed out in the men’s division.

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CAROLINE ON THE COMEBACK! 
 
She's into Round 2 of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USOpen</a> in her return to tennis. <a href="https://t.co/ivwFEijYTs">pic.twitter.com/ivwFEijYTs</a>
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<h2>Wozniacki spoils Kvitova’s party</h2>

At the famous Arthur Ash Stadium, things did not go according to plan for No.11 seed Kvitova as she crashed out in the second round. A 7-5, 7-6(5) win saw Dane Wozniacki continue her remarkable run as she won in straight sets. She stretched and broke her Czech opponent at the decisive stage in the first set to pocket it while it needed a tiebreaker win to clinch the second set. She will now face Jennifer Brady of the United States in the third round.

<h2>Djokovic, Swiatek ease in round three</h2>

Three-time champion Novak Djokovic did not have many concerns as he got the better of Bernabe Zapata Miralles of Spain in three sets. The 23-time Grand Slam champion dropped only six games on his way to the third round having won the contest 6-4, 6-1, 6-1. He will now face countryman Laslo Djere in round three.

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In the women’s section defending champion Iga Swiatek made light work of Australian Daria Saville as she booked a round three berth. It took only 94 minutes for the Poland star to get past Saville as she beat her 6-3, 6-4. She will take on Kaja Juvan of Slovenia in the next round.

<h2>Big upsets</h2>

In big upsets of the day, last year’s runner-up Casper Ruud was stunned by Zhang Zhizhen to knock the Norwegian out of the US Open. The 67th-ranked Zhang avenged his loss to the Norwegian fifth seed at the French Open, where he also reached the third round, advancing 6-4, 5-7, 6-2, 0-6, 6-2. In another major news, despite serving for the match, former French Open runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas was knocked out of the US Open as he lost 7-5, 6-7 (2), 6-7 (5), 7-6 (6), 6-3 in just over four hours.

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The US Open Day 3 saw a string of big upsets as women’s No.11 seed and former Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova lost in straight sets to Caroline Wozniacki as the Danish star continued her fairytale return.

The US Open Day 3 saw a string of big upsets as women’s No.11 seed and former Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova lost in straight sets to Caroline Wozniacki as the Danish star continued her fairytale return. The day also saw easy wins for three-time champion Novak Djokovic and women’s defending champion Iga Swiatek. In big upsets, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Casper Ruud of Norway crashed out in the men’s division. CAROLINE ON THE COMEBACK! She's into Round 2 of the #USOpen in her return to tennis. pic.twitter.com/ivwFEijYTs — US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 31, 2023 × Wozniacki spoils Kvitova’s party At the famous Arthur Ash Stadium, things did not go according to plan for No.11 seed Kvitova as she crashed out in the second round. A 7-5, 7-6(5) win saw Dane Wozniacki continue her remarkable run as she won in straight sets. She stretched and broke her Czech opponent at the decisive stage in the first set to pocket it while it needed a tiebreaker win to clinch the second set. She will now face Jennifer Brady of the United States in the third round. Djokovic, Swiatek ease in round three Three-time champion Novak Djokovic did not have many concerns as he got the better of Bernabe Zapata Miralles of Spain in three sets. The 23-time Grand Slam champion dropped only six games on his way to the third round having won the contest 6-4, 6-1, 6-1. He will now face countryman Laslo Djere in round three. ALSO READ | India coach Rahul Dravid answers all 'experimenting' questions, says didn't do for sake of it In the women’s section defending champion Iga Swiatek made light work of Australian Daria Saville as she booked a round three berth. It took only 94 minutes for the Poland star to get past Saville as she beat her 6-3, 6-4. She will take on Kaja Juvan of Slovenia in the next round. Big upsets In big upsets of the day, last year’s runner-up Casper Ruud was stunned by Zhang Zhizhen to knock the Norwegian out of the US Open. The 67th-ranked Zhang avenged his loss to the Norwegian fifth seed at the French Open, where he also reached the third round, advancing 6-4, 5-7, 6-2, 0-6, 6-2. In another major news, despite serving for the match, former French Open runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas was knocked out of the US Open as he lost 7-5, 6-7 (2), 6-7 (5), 7-6 (6), 6-3 in just over four hours. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US Open 2023: Wozniacki stuns Kvitova in straight sets, Djokovic, Swiatek advance; Ruud, Tsitsipas out

The US Open authorities on Wednesday, August 16, announced the wildcard entrants for this year’s tournament with big names like Venus Williams and Caroline Wozniacki set for return. Williams, a two-time former champion will return to the US Open for a record 24th time in the women’s singles category while her counterpart Wozniacki also gained a wildcard that will see her compete in the main draw. Former Wimbledon semifinalist, John Isner has also been handed a wildcard in the men’s singles category.

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<h2>Venus returns for 24th time</h2>

Now 43, Venus will be participating in her 24th US Open, having won the tournament in 2000 and 2001 in the women’s singles category. Her performance at the US Open has degraded in recent years which has seen her lose in the first round in 2022 and 2020. Her best run at a Grand Slam came in 2017 when she reached the final of the Australian Open. She has also won the US Open twice in doubles with sister Serena in 1999 and 2009.

On the other hand, Wozniacki will also make her much-anticipated Grand Slam return after being handed a wildcard. Wozniacki has been twice runners-up at the US Open, having lost in 2009 to Kim Clijsters and Serena Williams in 2014. Wozniacki’s only Grand Slam title win came in 2018 when she won the Australian Open singles crown.

In the men’s draw, John Isner has been handed a wildcard from the elite group having enjoyed success on hard court. The 38-year-old has been twice quarterfinalists when he reached the last eight in 2011 and 2018.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-needs-to-be-more-aggressive-kapil-dev-advises-indian-captain-cites-bazballs-example-626012">Rohit Sharma needs to be more aggressive: Kapil Dev advises Indian captain, cites Bazball's example</a>

<h2>When does the US Open 2023 start?</h2>

The US Open 2023 will start on Monday, August 28 as the year-end slam begins with a big buzz. Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek are the defending champions in the singles category with big names like Novak Djokovic and Elena Rybakina in running for the title. This year will be the first US Open in the post-Roger Federer era while Rafael Nadal is also on the sidelines and won’t participate in the tournament.

Women’s Wildcard holders for 2023 US Open

Venus Williams, Caroline Wozniacki Liv Hovde, Katrina Scott, Makenna Jones, McCartney Kessler, Mary Stoiana, Valerie Glozman, Fiona Crawley, Chloe Beck, Katherine Hui

Men’s Wildcard holders for 2023 US Open

John Isner, Brandon Holt, Zachary Svajda, Patrick Kypson, Eliot Spizzirri, Tristan Boyer, Aidan Mayo, Martin Damm, Darwin&nbsp;Blanch, Trevor Svajda

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The US Open authorities on Wednesday, August 16, announced the wildcard entrants for this year’s tournament with big names like Venus Williams and Caroline Wozniacki set for return.

The US Open authorities on Wednesday, August 16, announced the wildcard entrants for this year’s tournament with big names like Venus Williams and Caroline Wozniacki set for return. Williams, a two-time former champion will return to the US Open for a record 24th time in the women’s singles category while her counterpart Wozniacki also gained a wildcard that will see her compete in the main draw. Former Wimbledon semifinalist, John Isner has also been handed a wildcard in the men’s singles category. Next Up: US Open 👀 pic.twitter.com/vpaVpXgrt7 — US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 16, 2023 × Venus returns for 24th time Now 43, Venus will be participating in her 24th US Open, having won the tournament in 2000 and 2001 in the women’s singles category. Her performance at the US Open has degraded in recent years which has seen her lose in the first round in 2022 and 2020. Her best run at a Grand Slam came in 2017 when she reached the final of the Australian Open. She has also won the US Open twice in doubles with sister Serena in 1999 and 2009. On the other hand, Wozniacki will also make her much-anticipated Grand Slam return after being handed a wildcard. Wozniacki has been twice runners-up at the US Open, having lost in 2009 to Kim Clijsters and Serena Williams in 2014. Wozniacki’s only Grand Slam title win came in 2018 when she won the Australian Open singles crown. In the men’s draw, John Isner has been handed a wildcard from the elite group having enjoyed success on hard court. The 38-year-old has been twice quarterfinalists when he reached the last eight in 2011 and 2018. ALSO READ | Rohit Sharma needs to be more aggressive: Kapil Dev advises Indian captain, cites Bazball's example When does the US Open 2023 start? The US Open 2023 will start on Monday, August 28 as the year-end slam begins with a big buzz. Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek are the defending champions in the singles category with big names like Novak Djokovic and Elena Rybakina in running for the title. This year will be the first US Open in the post-Roger Federer era while Rafael Nadal is also on the sidelines and won’t participate in the tournament. Women’s Wildcard holders for 2023 US Open Venus Williams, Caroline Wozniacki Liv Hovde, Katrina Scott, Makenna Jones, McCartney Kessler, Mary Stoiana, Valerie Glozman, Fiona Crawley, Chloe Beck, Katherine Hui Men’s Wildcard holders for 2023 US Open John Isner, Brandon Holt, Zachary Svajda, Patrick Kypson, Eliot Spizzirri, Tristan Boyer, Aidan Mayo, Martin Damm, Darwin Blanch, Trevor Svajda WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US Open 2023: Caroline Wozniacki, John Isner handed wildcards; Venus Williams to make record 24th appearance

Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova halted Caroline Wozniacki's comeback in its tracks at the WTA Montreal Open on Wednesday, ousting the former world number one in straight sets.

Wozniacki had returned with a bang from a more than three-year layoff on Tuesday, winning 6-2, 6-2 against 115th ranked Kimberly Birrell.

But the 33-year-old Danish star found Vondrousova a tougher proposition, with the ninth seed claiming a 6-2, 7-5 victory to set up a last 16 clash with Coco Gauff.

Vondrousova looked to be motoring towards a brisk victory after taking a 6-2, 3-0 lead over Wozniacki.

Vondrousova then had a point for a 4-0 lead but doubled faulted twice to let Wozniacki off the hook.

The veteran then rallied brilliantly to take a 4-3 lead and had a break point in the eighth game for a 5-3 lead.

Vondrousova however held for 4-4 and then earned a break for a 6-5 lead before serving to love to seal victory.

Elsewhere on Wednesday, world number one Iga Swiatek entered the competition with an opening 7-6 (8/6), 6-2 win over Karolina Pliskova.

The victory left reigning US Open champion Swiatek needing victory over Karolina Muchova on Thursday to ensure she will hold on to the number one ranking for a 72nd week.

Her clash with the Czech Republic's Muchova on Thursday is a rematch of the duo's three-set battle in the French Open final earlier this year, won by Swiatek.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cwc-23-revised-schedule-india-vs-pakistan-to-take-place-on-october-14-eight-more-fixtures-rescheduled-623882">CWC '23 revised schedule: India vs Pakistan to take place on October 14, eight more fixtures rescheduled</a>

"It's nice to have some challenges and overcome them," Swiatek after Wednesday's win. "It wasn't an easy first round, but I'm happy that I stayed solid, and I could close it in the first set."&nbsp;

Swiatek, who entered the tournament fresh from a victory in Warsaw last month, is now relishing another duel with Muchova.

"We have to be ready for the next match and kind of expect that anything can happen because tennis can be pretty unpredictable," Swiatek said.&nbsp;

"You know, one player can have a bad day. At the same time the other one can play the best tennis of their life."

In other games on Wednesday, 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina finally closed out victory over Jennifer Brady in a match that had started on Tuesday before being halted.

Rybakina, seeded three, edged past the returning Brady 6-7(3/7), 7-6(7/5), 6-3 and will now face unseeded Sloane Stephens of the United States in the last 16.

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Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova halted Caroline Wozniacki's comeback in its tracks at the WTA Montreal Open on Wednesday, ousting the former world number one in straight sets.

Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova halted Caroline Wozniacki's comeback in its tracks at the WTA Montreal Open on Wednesday, ousting the former world number one in straight sets. Wozniacki had returned with a bang from a more than three-year layoff on Tuesday, winning 6-2, 6-2 against 115th ranked Kimberly Birrell. But the 33-year-old Danish star found Vondrousova a tougher proposition, with the ninth seed claiming a 6-2, 7-5 victory to set up a last 16 clash with Coco Gauff. Vondrousova looked to be motoring towards a brisk victory after taking a 6-2, 3-0 lead over Wozniacki. Vondrousova then had a point for a 4-0 lead but doubled faulted twice to let Wozniacki off the hook. The veteran then rallied brilliantly to take a 4-3 lead and had a break point in the eighth game for a 5-3 lead. Vondrousova however held for 4-4 and then earned a break for a 6-5 lead before serving to love to seal victory. Elsewhere on Wednesday, world number one Iga Swiatek entered the competition with an opening 7-6 (8/6), 6-2 win over Karolina Pliskova. The victory left reigning US Open champion Swiatek needing victory over Karolina Muchova on Thursday to ensure she will hold on to the number one ranking for a 72nd week. Her clash with the Czech Republic's Muchova on Thursday is a rematch of the duo's three-set battle in the French Open final earlier this year, won by Swiatek. ALSO READ | CWC '23 revised schedule: India vs Pakistan to take place on October 14, eight more fixtures rescheduled "It's nice to have some challenges and overcome them," Swiatek after Wednesday's win. "It wasn't an easy first round, but I'm happy that I stayed solid, and I could close it in the first set." Swiatek, who entered the tournament fresh from a victory in Warsaw last month, is now relishing another duel with Muchova. "We have to be ready for the next match and kind of expect that anything can happen because tennis can be pretty unpredictable," Swiatek said. "You know, one player can have a bad day. At the same time the other one can play the best tennis of their life." In other games on Wednesday, 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina finally closed out victory over Jennifer Brady in a match that had started on Tuesday before being halted. Rybakina, seeded three, edged past the returning Brady 6-7(3/7), 7-6(7/5), 6-3 and will now face unseeded Sloane Stephens of the United States in the last 16. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Tennis: Caroline Wozniacki comeback halted by Marketa Vondrousova at WTA Montreal Open

Former world number one Caroline Wozniacki made a triumphant comeback in her return to competition after a layoff of more than three years at the WTA Montreal Open on Tuesday.

The 33-year-old Danish star defeated 115th-ranked Australian qualifier Kimberly Birrell 6-2, 6-2 in her comeback match at the hardcourt event, a tune-up for the US Open, which starts on August 28 in New York.

"I'm happy," Wozniacki said. "A little tired. Just it was fun to be out there again playing on center court in front of a big crowd. I'm just thrilled that I could win my first match in 3 1/2 years."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rugby-world-cup-skipper-siya-kolisi-included-in-south-africas-squad-623569">Rugby World Cup: Skipper Siya Kolisi included in South Africa's squad</a>

Her second-round opponent&nbsp;will be reigning Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova, the Czech world number 10 who ousted Egypt's 33rd-ranked Mayar Sherif 6-4, 6-2.

Wozniacki, the 2018 Australian Open champion, retired after a third-round loss at the 2020 Australian Open. She gave birth to two children and became a television commentator, her WTA playing days seemingly complete.

But Wozniacki announced in June she was making a comeback and received wildcard entries into Montreal and next week's Cincinnati tournament as stepping-stones to the US Open, where she was runner-up in 2009 and 2014.

Before her retirement, Wozniacki won 30 titles and 635 career matches. She spent 71 weeks atop the rankings.

Now she has her first match victory as a mother, having given birth to son James and daughter Olivia in the 1,293 days since being ousted by Ons Jabeur at Melbourne in 2020.

"That's pretty crazy," she said. "I was just looking at the clock actually. My kids are napping right now which is awesome. So I'm going to catch them after I do a little bit of treatment and food and stuff.

"That's the good part of playing early. I still have the afternoon with them."

Wozniacki dropped the opening game but rallied to capture the final four games of the opening set, the last on a Birrell double fault after 43 minutes.

"I was definitely a little rusty," Wozniacki said.

Wozniacki broke for a 4-2 edge in the second set, held for a 5-2 lead and broke again on a backhand winner to secure the victory after 97 minutes, raising her arms skyward with a smile of delight at her achievement.

<h2>Excited to be back</h2>

"I'm just excited to be back and competing, and I think for me it's so special having my family here," Wozniacki said. "As a 33-year-old that has played on tour for many years, and doing it with my kids that now, especially the older one is starting to really understand and gets to really experience the world and different countries, I think it's so cool."

Lifting her comeback from practice courts to matches was a major step for Wozniacki.

"I didn't really know what to expect," Wozniacki said. "You have all these things in your head that this is how you're supposed to be playing and you're supposed to be doing this and that, but to be honest, I had no idea what I was going to come up with when I was out on court because I just haven't played a real match in so long.

"It was all about not getting down on myself if I made a mistake and not get too excited when I hit a good shot. So it was just kind of evening out those emotions. I think everything taken into consideration, I'm very happy with how I played today and how I got through."

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Former world number one Caroline Wozniacki made a triumphant comeback in her return to competition after a layoff of more than three years at the WTA Montreal Open on Tuesday.

Former world number one Caroline Wozniacki made a triumphant comeback in her return to competition after a layoff of more than three years at the WTA Montreal Open on Tuesday. The 33-year-old Danish star defeated 115th-ranked Australian qualifier Kimberly Birrell 6-2, 6-2 in her comeback match at the hardcourt event, a tune-up for the US Open, which starts on August 28 in New York. "I'm happy," Wozniacki said. "A little tired. Just it was fun to be out there again playing on center court in front of a big crowd. I'm just thrilled that I could win my first match in 3 1/2 years." Also Read: Rugby World Cup: Skipper Siya Kolisi included in South Africa's squad Her second-round opponent will be reigning Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova, the Czech world number 10 who ousted Egypt's 33rd-ranked Mayar Sherif 6-4, 6-2. Wozniacki, the 2018 Australian Open champion, retired after a third-round loss at the 2020 Australian Open. She gave birth to two children and became a television commentator, her WTA playing days seemingly complete. But Wozniacki announced in June she was making a comeback and received wildcard entries into Montreal and next week's Cincinnati tournament as stepping-stones to the US Open, where she was runner-up in 2009 and 2014. Before her retirement, Wozniacki won 30 titles and 635 career matches. She spent 71 weeks atop the rankings. Now she has her first match victory as a mother, having given birth to son James and daughter Olivia in the 1,293 days since being ousted by Ons Jabeur at Melbourne in 2020. "That's pretty crazy," she said. "I was just looking at the clock actually. My kids are napping right now which is awesome. So I'm going to catch them after I do a little bit of treatment and food and stuff. "That's the good part of playing early. I still have the afternoon with them." Wozniacki dropped the opening game but rallied to capture the final four games of the opening set, the last on a Birrell double fault after 43 minutes. "I was definitely a little rusty," Wozniacki said. Wozniacki broke for a 4-2 edge in the second set, held for a 5-2 lead and broke again on a backhand winner to secure the victory after 97 minutes, raising her arms skyward with a smile of delight at her achievement. Excited to be back "I'm just excited to be back and competing, and I think for me it's so special having my family here," Wozniacki said. "As a 33-year-old that has played on tour for many years, and doing it with my kids that now, especially the older one is starting to really understand and gets to really experience the world and different countries, I think it's so cool." Lifting her comeback from practice courts to matches was a major step for Wozniacki. "I didn't really know what to expect," Wozniacki said. "You have all these things in your head that this is how you're supposed to be playing and you're supposed to be doing this and that, but to be honest, I had no idea what I was going to come up with when I was out on court because I just haven't played a real match in so long. "It was all about not getting down on myself if I made a mistake and not get too excited when I hit a good shot. So it was just kind of evening out those emotions. I think everything taken into consideration, I'm very happy with how I played today and how I got through." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Tennis: Caroline Wozniacki makes triumphant return with win in first round of WTA Montreal Open

Three years after quitting tennis, former world number one Caroline Wozniacki is making a comeback, and the 32-year-old is confident she can win the 2023 U.S. Open. After the Australian Open, Wozniacki announced her retirement in January 2020, saying she wanted to conceive a baby with her husband, former NBA player David Lee.

Former World No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki announces return to Tennis

Former world number one Caroline Wozniacki announced her intention to return to&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;on Thursday having retired from the sport in 2020 to start a family. Danish player Wozniacki spent 71 weeks at the top of the world rankings and finished with 30 singles titles - including a Grand Slam crown at the Australian Open in 2018. She announced her retirement prior to the 2020 Australian Open at the age of 29, saying she wanted to start a family with her husband, former NBA player David Lee. She has since had a daughter Olivia and son James.

"Over these past three years away from the game I got to make up for lost time with my family, I became a mother and now have two beautiful children I am so grateful for," she wrote on Twitter.

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Over these past three years away from the game I got to make up for lost time with my family, I became a mother and now have two beautiful children I am so grateful for. But I still have goals I want to accomplish. I want to show my kids that you can pursue your dreams no matter… <a href="https://t.co/OQatFWxQGK">pic.twitter.com/OQatFWxQGK</a>
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"But I still have goals I want to accomplish. I want to show my kids that you can pursue your dreams no matter your age or role. "We decided as a family it's time. I'm coming back to play and I can't wait!"

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-transition-from-clay-to-grass-easier-every-year-says-iga-swiatek-ahead-of-wimbledon-2023-610006">Tennis: Transition from clay to grass easier every year, says Iga Swiatek ahead of Wimbledon 2023</a>

Wozniacki said she would first play at the Canadian Open in Montreal in August "to get back into the groove" before targeting the U.S. Open while her long-term goal is the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

"So I'm going to play the U.S. Open. There's just an electric atmosphere in New York that I can't get enough of, and I've played so well there for years and years," she wrote in a Vogue magazine article. "After that, I'll have a couple of months to prepare for Australia and we'll take it from there. The Paris Olympics are definitely a goal too."

Wozniacki, who turns 33 next month, said she was inspired by 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams after the American returned to the sport following the birth of her daughter Olympia.

"I think that Serena doesn't get nearly enough credit for getting to so many Grand Slam finals after having Olympia," she added. "Her retirement will always be bittersweet, both for me and for so many other players, because she's meant so much to women's&nbsp;tennis. She paved the way for so many of us, she showed us that anything is possible."

Former world number one Caroline Wozniacki announced her intention to return to tennis on Thursday having retired from the sport in 2020 to start a family. Danish player Wozniacki spent 71 weeks at the top of the world rankings and finished with 30 singles titles - including a Grand Slam crown at the Australian Open in 2018.

Former world number one Caroline Wozniacki announced her intention to return to tennis on Thursday having retired from the sport in 2020 to start a family. Danish player Wozniacki spent 71 weeks at the top of the world rankings and finished with 30 singles titles - including a Grand Slam crown at the Australian Open in 2018. She announced her retirement prior to the 2020 Australian Open at the age of 29, saying she wanted to start a family with her husband, former NBA player David Lee. She has since had a daughter Olivia and son James. "Over these past three years away from the game I got to make up for lost time with my family, I became a mother and now have two beautiful children I am so grateful for," she wrote on Twitter. Over these past three years away from the game I got to make up for lost time with my family, I became a mother and now have two beautiful children I am so grateful for. But I still have goals I want to accomplish. I want to show my kids that you can pursue your dreams no matter… pic.twitter.com/OQatFWxQGK — Caroline Wozniacki (@CaroWozniacki) June 29, 2023 × "But I still have goals I want to accomplish. I want to show my kids that you can pursue your dreams no matter your age or role. "We decided as a family it's time. I'm coming back to play and I can't wait!" Also Read: Tennis: Transition from clay to grass easier every year, says Iga Swiatek ahead of Wimbledon 2023 Wozniacki said she would first play at the Canadian Open in Montreal in August "to get back into the groove" before targeting the U.S. Open while her long-term goal is the 2024 Olympics in Paris. "So I'm going to play the U.S. Open. There's just an electric atmosphere in New York that I can't get enough of, and I've played so well there for years and years," she wrote in a Vogue magazine article. "After that, I'll have a couple of months to prepare for Australia and we'll take it from there. The Paris Olympics are definitely a goal too." Wozniacki, who turns 33 next month, said she was inspired by 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams after the American returned to the sport following the birth of her daughter Olympia. "I think that Serena doesn't get nearly enough credit for getting to so many Grand Slam finals after having Olympia," she added. "Her retirement will always be bittersweet, both for me and for so many other players, because she's meant so much to women's tennis. She paved the way for so many of us, she showed us that anything is possible."

Former world number one Caroline Wozniacki announces comeback after retiring in 2020

Top seed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serena-williams-retires-from-3rd-round-match-at-indian-wells-202434">Serena&nbsp;Williams</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/caroline-wozniacki-upbeat-ahead-of-australian-open-defence-189965">Caroline Wozniacki</a> ensured the Auckland Classic retained their two main drawcards as they battled to second round victories on Thursday, although promising teenager Coco Gauff was knocked out.

Williams needed two hours to outlast fellow American Christina McHale with a 3-6 6-2 6-3 victory, while Wozniacki, who is playing her penultimate tournament, fought back to overcome a tenacious Lauren Davis 6-1 4-6 6-4.

Gauff, however, was upset by Germany's Laura Siegemund 5-7 6-2 6-3 in a two-hour, 14-minute match that opened Thursday's action on the main court at the Auckland Tennis Centre.

Siegemund will now meet Williams, who struggled against the 86th-ranked McHale, who had not beaten the 23-times Grand Slam champion in their three previous matches.

McHale kept the 38-year-old off-balance with clever use of angled returns and chased down everything hammered back at her.

Williams only seized control of the match in the fifth game of the decider when she broke serve and told reporters that she had been angry with her play and was determined not to repeat her early Auckland exit in 2017.

"I think today I just got mad," Williams said of what had sparked her turnaround on Thursday. "Honestly, I said I wanted to win more than one match here in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hockey-world-cup-2018-new-zealand-hold-spain-to-2-2-draw-qualify-for-cross-overs-182006">New Zealand</a>.

"I literally thought about that (2017 tournament) and sometimes it's the craziest things that get you motivated."

Williams crashed out in the second round in Auckland in 2017 with an erratic performance she put down to the swirling winds and she left New Zealand in a hurry stating she was looking forward to better weather in Australia.

She said last week, however, that the early stages of her pregnancy in 2017 had badly affected her and she had no idea at the time why she was angry at everything.

Wozniacki, who is retiring after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sharapova-to-return-next-month-as-brisbane-wildcard-271149">Australian Open</a>, had romped to an early advantage but when Davis saved serve early in the second set she changed the momentum of the match.

The Dane, however, seized her chances on the crucial points in the decider and broke Davis in the ninth game then served out for the match.

"I thought that we both played really well," Wozniacki said. "I just kept digging in and I got lucky in the end."

Wozniacki will now meet Julia Goerges, who has won the Auckland title the last two years, in the quarter-finals after the German produced a clinical 6-3 6-2 victory over Switzerland's Jil Teichmann.

Top seed Serena Williams and Caroline Wozniacki ensured the Auckland Classic retained their two main drawcards as they battled to second round victories on Thursday, although promising teenager Coco Gauff was knocked out.

Top seed Serena Williams and Caroline Wozniacki ensured the Auckland Classic retained their two main drawcards as they battled to second round victories on Thursday, although promising teenager Coco Gauff was knocked out. Williams needed two hours to outlast fellow American Christina McHale with a 3-6 6-2 6-3 victory, while Wozniacki, who is playing her penultimate tournament, fought back to overcome a tenacious Lauren Davis 6-1 4-6 6-4. Gauff, however, was upset by Germany's Laura Siegemund 5-7 6-2 6-3 in a two-hour, 14-minute match that opened Thursday's action on the main court at the Auckland Tennis Centre. Siegemund will now meet Williams, who struggled against the 86th-ranked McHale, who had not beaten the 23-times Grand Slam champion in their three previous matches. McHale kept the 38-year-old off-balance with clever use of angled returns and chased down everything hammered back at her. Williams only seized control of the match in the fifth game of the decider when she broke serve and told reporters that she had been angry with her play and was determined not to repeat her early Auckland exit in 2017. "I think today I just got mad," Williams said of what had sparked her turnaround on Thursday. "Honestly, I said I wanted to win more than one match here in New Zealand. "I literally thought about that (2017 tournament) and sometimes it's the craziest things that get you motivated." Williams crashed out in the second round in Auckland in 2017 with an erratic performance she put down to the swirling winds and she left New Zealand in a hurry stating she was looking forward to better weather in Australia. She said last week, however, that the early stages of her pregnancy in 2017 had badly affected her and she had no idea at the time why she was angry at everything. Wozniacki, who is retiring after the Australian Open, had romped to an early advantage but when Davis saved serve early in the second set she changed the momentum of the match. The Dane, however, seized her chances on the crucial points in the decider and broke Davis in the ninth game then served out for the match. "I thought that we both played really well," Wozniacki said. "I just kept digging in and I got lucky in the end." Wozniacki will now meet Julia Goerges, who has won the Auckland title the last two years, in the quarter-finals after the German produced a clinical 6-3 6-2 victory over Switzerland's Jil Teichmann.

Tennis: Serena Williams, Caroline Wozniacki struggle but advance to Auckland quarters

United States' Danielle Collins advanced to the second round of the Italian Open after former world number one <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Caroline+Wozniacki">Caroline Wozniacki</a> retired because of a leg injury.&nbsp;

For the second consecutive event, Wozniacki has withdrawn early as last week, she had an opening-round injury retirement to Alize Cornet at the Mutua Madrid Open.&nbsp;

In the match, Collins claimed the first set of their opening-round encounter, 7-6(5) but eventually, the match stopped.&nbsp;

World number 20, Collins will now clash with the two-time Grand Slam winner Garbine Muguruza of Spain for a place in third-round.&nbsp;

Now, Wozniacki would hope to be fit again for the upcoming Grand Slam, French Open, which starts on May 26.&nbsp;

"Obviously, I feel for Caroline, what she's going through with her injuries," said Collins.

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Danielle Collins claimed a spot in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ibi19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ibi19</a> 2️⃣nd round. 
 
Wozniacki retired due to injury following the first set. 
--&gt; <a href="https://t.co/2S3zilmCcS">https://t.co/2S3zilmCcS</a> <a href="https://t.co/JdrZhWNRXr">pic.twitter.com/JdrZhWNRXr</a>
— WTA (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1128244638710677504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Unfortunately, Caroline <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wozniacki?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wozniacki</a> had to retire from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ibi19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ibi19</a>. Get well soon.❤️ <a href="https://t.co/ohnaJwmxrK">pic.twitter.com/ohnaJwmxrK</a>
— Internazionali Bnl (@InteBNLdItalia) <a href="https://twitter.com/InteBNLdItalia/status/1128243329680982017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"It's never fun to go out there and play against somebody that's hurt, and dealing with that kind of pain. I was happy with the way I played, but it's just not a fun situation."

United States' Danielle Collins advanced to the second round of the Italian Open after former world number one Caroline Wozniacki retired because of a leg injury.

United States' Danielle Collins advanced to the second round of the Italian Open after former world number one Caroline Wozniacki retired because of a leg injury. For the second consecutive event, Wozniacki has withdrawn early as last week, she had an opening-round injury retirement to Alize Cornet at the Mutua Madrid Open. In the match, Collins claimed the first set of their opening-round encounter, 7-6(5) but eventually, the match stopped. World number 20, Collins will now clash with the two-time Grand Slam winner Garbine Muguruza of Spain for a place in third-round. Now, Wozniacki would hope to be fit again for the upcoming Grand Slam, French Open, which starts on May 26. "Obviously, I feel for Caroline, what she's going through with her injuries," said Collins. Danielle Collins claimed a spot in the #ibi19 2️⃣nd round. Wozniacki retired due to injury following the first set. --> https://t.co/2S3zilmCcS pic.twitter.com/JdrZhWNRXr — WTA (@WTA) May 14, 2019 × Unfortunately, Caroline #Wozniacki had to retire from #ibi19. Get well soon.❤️ pic.twitter.com/ohnaJwmxrK — Internazionali Bnl (@InteBNLdItalia) May 14, 2019 × "It's never fun to go out there and play against somebody that's hurt, and dealing with that kind of pain. I was happy with the way I played, but it's just not a fun situation."

Italian Open: Danielle Collins advances to second round after Caroline Wozniacki retires

Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova on Friday defeated defending champion Caroline Wozniacki 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 at the ongoing Australian Open.

This is Sharapova's biggest win since her return, as the two met for the 11th time today. &nbsp;

At 30-40 Sharapova engineered her first match point but Wozniacki held her nerve in a gutsy 18-shot rally.&nbsp; More brute force from Sharapova at deuce created a second match point, monstering another poor second serve before pounding away until the dam broke.

"I thought the level was quite high. I knew I'd get a tough match - she [Wozniacki] is the defending champion. I haven't played many matches in the last year against top players so it was really rewarding to win that last set. These are the kinds of matches I train for, Sharapova said in her&nbsp;post-match interview.&nbsp;

"I am definitely not walking round thinking I have the experience and they will give it to me because the girl on the other side will have their own experience," She added.

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"I thought the level was quite high." 
 
Sure was, <a href="https://twitter.com/MariaSharapova?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MariaSharapova</a> 👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/FCUibIl7cV">pic.twitter.com/FCUibIl7cV</a>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1086159538380783617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Sharapova will next face Australia's Ashleigh Barty in the fourth round.&nbsp;

Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova on Friday defeated defending champion Caroline Wozniacki 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 at the ongoing Australian Open. This is Sharapova's biggest win since her return, as the two met for the 11th time today.

Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova on Friday defeated defending champion Caroline Wozniacki 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 at the ongoing Australian Open. This is Sharapova's biggest win since her return, as the two met for the 11th time today. At 30-40 Sharapova engineered her first match point but Wozniacki held her nerve in a gutsy 18-shot rally. More brute force from Sharapova at deuce created a second match point, monstering another poor second serve before pounding away until the dam broke. "I thought the level was quite high. I knew I'd get a tough match - she [Wozniacki] is the defending champion. I haven't played many matches in the last year against top players so it was really rewarding to win that last set. These are the kinds of matches I train for, Sharapova said in her post-match interview. "I am definitely not walking round thinking I have the experience and they will give it to me because the girl on the other side will have their own experience," She added. "I thought the level was quite high." Sure was, @MariaSharapova 👏#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/FCUibIl7cV — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 18, 2019 × Sharapova will next face Australia's Ashleigh Barty in the fourth round.

Australian Open: Sharapova upsets defending champion Wozniacki, says 'level was quite high'

In pics: Highlights of Day 3 of the Australian Open

Aggressive defending champion Caroline Wozniacki powered into the Australian Open third round Wednesday with a confidence-boosting romp over Sweden's Johanna Larsson.

The third-seeded Dane snuffed out a late rally from the world number 77 to win 6-1, 6-3 and continue her bid to become the first woman to defend the Australian title since Victoria Azarenka in 2013.

The victory sets up the potential for an enthralling third round encounter between the Dane and Maria Sharapova, who meets Rebecca Peterson in the second round.

Wozniacki moved freely and showed no sign of the rheumatoid arthritis that has threatened to derail her career.

"I thought I started pretty well, started aggressively, but she started making less errors and I was just trying to stay consistent," the 28-year-old said.

Wozniacki came out of the blocks quickly, leaving Larsson reeling as she conceded only two points on the way to a 3-0 lead.&nbsp;

The Swede regrouped from the early onslaught but Wozniacki continued to dictate terms and showed no signs of fatigue as she moved Larsson around the court during long rallies.

She wrapped up the first set in 27 minutes, pouncing on Larsson's popgun serve and coping easily when the Swede tried to put her under pressure by attacking the net, making 95 per cent of her returns.&nbsp;

Wozniacki's intensity eased slightly in the second set and there was a minor wobble late in the match when Larsson threatened a break.

"She started making less errors, playing it deep, coming into the net and threw my timing off a little bit," she said.

"I just tried to stay as aggressive as I could be until the and&nbsp;I think I served well when I had to."

Wozniacki said she felt no additional pressure coming into the tournament as defending champion and was enjoying her campaign after two straight sets wins in the opening rounds.

"It feels amazing. I felt at home straight away when I got here," she said.

Aggressive defending champion Caroline Wozniacki powered into the Australian Open third round Wednesday with a confidence-boosting romp over Sweden's Johanna Larsson.

Aggressive defending champion Caroline Wozniacki powered into the Australian Open third round Wednesday with a confidence-boosting romp over Sweden's Johanna Larsson. The third-seeded Dane snuffed out a late rally from the world number 77 to win 6-1, 6-3 and continue her bid to become the first woman to defend the Australian title since Victoria Azarenka in 2013. The victory sets up the potential for an enthralling third round encounter between the Dane and Maria Sharapova, who meets Rebecca Peterson in the second round. Wozniacki moved freely and showed no sign of the rheumatoid arthritis that has threatened to derail her career. "I thought I started pretty well, started aggressively, but she started making less errors and I was just trying to stay consistent," the 28-year-old said. Wozniacki came out of the blocks quickly, leaving Larsson reeling as she conceded only two points on the way to a 3-0 lead. The Swede regrouped from the early onslaught but Wozniacki continued to dictate terms and showed no signs of fatigue as she moved Larsson around the court during long rallies. She wrapped up the first set in 27 minutes, pouncing on Larsson's popgun serve and coping easily when the Swede tried to put her under pressure by attacking the net, making 95 per cent of her returns. Wozniacki's intensity eased slightly in the second set and there was a minor wobble late in the match when Larsson threatened a break. "She started making less errors, playing it deep, coming into the net and threw my timing off a little bit," she said. "I just tried to stay as aggressive as I could be until the and I think I served well when I had to." Wozniacki said she felt no additional pressure coming into the tournament as defending champion and was enjoying her campaign after two straight sets wins in the opening rounds. "It feels amazing. I felt at home straight away when I got here," she said.

Caroline Wozniacki storms into 3rd round, may meet Maria Sharapova in next round

Who will win the Australian Open? This is what 'Player DNA' says

Caroline Wozniacki launched her title defence at the Australian Open with a comfortable 6-3, 6-4 win against Belgian Alison Van Uytvanck in the first round on Monday.&nbsp;

The third-seeded Dane broke Van Uytvanck once in each set and kept her unforced errors down to win the baseline battle in an hour and 33 minutes in the first match of the evening session at the Rod Laver Arena.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/who-will-win-the-australian-open-this-is-what-the-dna-says-190006">Who will win the Australian Open? This is what the DNA says</a>

The 24-year-old Van Uytvanck, ranked 52, troubled Wozniacki with some well-disguised drop shots but did not have enough to register her maiden win at Melbourne Park in her fifth appearance in both singles and doubles.&nbsp;

Wozniacki, who is battling rheumatoid arthritis, sealed the match with a forehand winner on her third match point and will next meet Sweden's Johanna Larsson, who progressed after Vera Lapko of Belarus retired while trailing 7-6(5) 3-0.&nbsp;

Caroline Wozniacki launched her title defence at the Australian Open with a comfortable 6-3, 6-4 win against Belgian Alison Van Uytvanck in the first round on Monday.

Caroline Wozniacki launched her title defence at the Australian Open with a comfortable 6-3, 6-4 win against Belgian Alison Van Uytvanck in the first round on Monday. The third-seeded Dane broke Van Uytvanck once in each set and kept her unforced errors down to win the baseline battle in an hour and 33 minutes in the first match of the evening session at the Rod Laver Arena. Also Read: Who will win the Australian Open? This is what the DNA says The 24-year-old Van Uytvanck, ranked 52, troubled Wozniacki with some well-disguised drop shots but did not have enough to register her maiden win at Melbourne Park in her fifth appearance in both singles and doubles. Wozniacki, who is battling rheumatoid arthritis, sealed the match with a forehand winner on her third match point and will next meet Sweden's Johanna Larsson, who progressed after Vera Lapko of Belarus retired while trailing 7-6(5) 3-0.

Australian Open: Caroline Wozniacki through to 2nd round with comfortable win

An upbeat Caroline Wozniacki said she was relishing returning to the Australian Open as defending champion Sunday and dismissed concerns health problems were affecting her game.

The Dane achieved a career milestone at Melbourne Park to claim her maiden Grand Slam last year, but also revealed she was suffering the debilitating auto-immune condition rheumatoid arthritis.

Wozniacki, 28, insisted there was no extra pressure returning Down Under as the title holder, saying she was treating her upcoming campaign as "a nice, fun challenge".

"I felt comfortable straightaway when I hit balls on that court. It was just a good feeling," she said of her return to Rod Laver Arena, the scene of last year's three-set triumph over world number one Simona Halep.

"Then, you see your photos all over the place, which is cool. So it's definitely great to be back."

Wozniacki seeded third at this year's tournament, said she was carefully managing her arthritis, a condition which sometimes leaves her so exhausted she can barely move her arms.

"For me, it's just all the time making sure I get good massaging, good treatments, ice baths, stretching, do everything even more thoroughly than maybe in the past," she said.

She added that she had not changed her playing style and had learned to recognise symptoms of arthritis to avoid flare-ups.

"I think especially as an athlete, you're even more aware of it. You know your body even better," she said.&nbsp;

"It's kind of hard to put into words, but I can definitely tell the difference whether it's just soreness from training or soreness from that (arthritis)."

She said the pre-season routine was unchanged, aside from some extra gym work to keep in shape before training began in earnest.

After such a rollercoaster 2018, Wozniacki said she needed "to leave the racquet behind for a while" during the off-season, recharging her batteries in the Maldives and the Virgin Islands.

The avid Liverpool fan also visited the less sunny climes of Anfield to see her beloved team in action, indulging in the local fare after cheering Jurgen Klopp's men on to victory.

"They have great burgers right outside. There's a huge line outside one of them... they had fries, all sorts of stuff," she said.&nbsp;

"I was like, 'we have to try it while we're here'. It was really, really good."

Wozniacki begins her tournament on Monday against Alison van Uytvanck of Belgium, ranked 51st in the world, a player she described as "tricky" and aggressive.

"I have to go in and play aggressive myself, get a lot of returns back, serve well, make her move," she said.

An upbeat Caroline Wozniacki said she was relishing returning to the Australian Open as defending champion Sunday and dismissed concerns health problems were affecting her game.

An upbeat Caroline Wozniacki said she was relishing returning to the Australian Open as defending champion Sunday and dismissed concerns health problems were affecting her game. The Dane achieved a career milestone at Melbourne Park to claim her maiden Grand Slam last year, but also revealed she was suffering the debilitating auto-immune condition rheumatoid arthritis. Wozniacki, 28, insisted there was no extra pressure returning Down Under as the title holder, saying she was treating her upcoming campaign as "a nice, fun challenge". "I felt comfortable straightaway when I hit balls on that court. It was just a good feeling," she said of her return to Rod Laver Arena, the scene of last year's three-set triumph over world number one Simona Halep. "Then, you see your photos all over the place, which is cool. So it's definitely great to be back." Wozniacki seeded third at this year's tournament, said she was carefully managing her arthritis, a condition which sometimes leaves her so exhausted she can barely move her arms. "For me, it's just all the time making sure I get good massaging, good treatments, ice baths, stretching, do everything even more thoroughly than maybe in the past," she said. She added that she had not changed her playing style and had learned to recognise symptoms of arthritis to avoid flare-ups. "I think especially as an athlete, you're even more aware of it. You know your body even better," she said. "It's kind of hard to put into words, but I can definitely tell the difference whether it's just soreness from training or soreness from that (arthritis)." She said the pre-season routine was unchanged, aside from some extra gym work to keep in shape before training began in earnest. After such a rollercoaster 2018, Wozniacki said she needed "to leave the racquet behind for a while" during the off-season, recharging her batteries in the Maldives and the Virgin Islands. The avid Liverpool fan also visited the less sunny climes of Anfield to see her beloved team in action, indulging in the local fare after cheering Jurgen Klopp's men on to victory. "They have great burgers right outside. There's a huge line outside one of them... they had fries, all sorts of stuff," she said. "I was like, 'we have to try it while we're here'. It was really, really good." Wozniacki begins her tournament on Monday against Alison van Uytvanck of Belgium, ranked 51st in the world, a player she described as "tricky" and aggressive. "I have to go in and play aggressive myself, get a lot of returns back, serve well, make her move," she said.

Caroline Wozniacki upbeat ahead of Australian Open defence

Serena Williams is back in Melbourne as hot favourite to repeat her 2017 Australian Open win and claim a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam with rivals, including defending champion Caroline Wozniacki, battling health issues and poor form.

Williams won her 23rd title and seventh at Melbourne Park while eight weeks pregnant two years ago, and now attempts to match Margaret Court's mark of 24 singles majors on the Australian's home soil.

The 37-year-old enters the tournament ranked 16 in the world but has proved in the past that such numbers mean little to her, despite fresh memories of her meltdown in losing the US Open final to Naomi Osaka in September.

Her 2017 triumph Down Under gave Williams the outright open era record for singles majors ahead of Steffi Graf's 22, leaving only Court's tally of 24 titles -- 13 of which were earned in the amateur era before 1968 -- for Williams to chase.

Williams missed her first chance to match Court when losing last year's Wimbledon final to Angelique Kerber, and said ahead of the Australian Open that she was taking nothing for granted.

"It's something that I clearly want but I have to be able to get there and beat a lot of good players to get it," the American said.

Regarding the controversial final against Osaka at Flushing Meadows -- when she raged against umpire Carlos Ramos who imposed three code violations, the final one resulting in the loss of a game -- Williams said she had put it put behind her and intended to "move on to bigger and better things".

Bookmakers in Australia have installed Williams as a short-priced favourite for the title with her US Open conqueror Osaka -- the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam -- next in the betting.

- Osaka shines - 
 
The 21-year-old Osaka backed up her US Open win by riding a wave of fanatical home support to reach the final of the Pan-Pacific Open in Tokyo without dropping a set.

She warmed up for Melbourne by making the semi-finals of the Brisbane International last week, where she blamed a poor attitude for losing to Lesia Tsurenko.

"I feel like last year I did a lot of that," she said. "I'm trying to change it more, and I think I have."

While she is the leading light for the next generation, the world number four's status as second favourite points to a lack of serious rivals for Williams among the more established players.

Wozniacki, ranked three, started last season by winning her first Grand Slam in Melbourne and returning to world number one, but ended it in October with the bombshell announcement that she had been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.

The 28-year-old Dane insists she can manage the debilitating auto-immune condition, which sometimes leaves her so exhausted she cannot raise her arms above her head.

Wozniacki proved she can still compete by winning in Beijing in October but whether she can cope with the gruelling two-week slog of a Grand Slam remains to be seen, and she was bundled out of the Auckland Classic last week in round two.

- Halep cloud - 
 
World number one Simona Halep of Romania comes into the tournament under a fitness cloud after a nagging back injury curtailed her 2018 season.

Second-ranked Angelique Kerber has already indicated her priority for 2019 will be the French Open, the only Slam to elude the 30-year-old German in her career.

Maria Sharapova has failed to impress since returning from a doping ban and, now ranked 30, is looking some way from the player who won five Grand Slams.

Two-time major champion and former number one Garbine Muguruza was another who had an injury-blighted 2018 which saw her drop out of the top 10.

But the 20-year-old Aryna Sabalenka from Belarus has zoomed up the rankings from 73rd at the start of 2018 to number 11 on the back of tournament wins in New Haven and Wuhan, and is a dark horse to emulate Osaka and achieve a maiden Grand Slam.

Serena Williams is back in Melbourne as hot favourite to repeat her 2017 Australian Open win and claim a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam with rivals, including defending champion Caroline Wozniacki, battling health issues and poor form.

Serena Williams is back in Melbourne as hot favourite to repeat her 2017 Australian Open win and claim a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam with rivals, including defending champion Caroline Wozniacki, battling health issues and poor form. Williams won her 23rd title and seventh at Melbourne Park while eight weeks pregnant two years ago, and now attempts to match Margaret Court's mark of 24 singles majors on the Australian's home soil. The 37-year-old enters the tournament ranked 16 in the world but has proved in the past that such numbers mean little to her, despite fresh memories of her meltdown in losing the US Open final to Naomi Osaka in September. Her 2017 triumph Down Under gave Williams the outright open era record for singles majors ahead of Steffi Graf's 22, leaving only Court's tally of 24 titles -- 13 of which were earned in the amateur era before 1968 -- for Williams to chase. Williams missed her first chance to match Court when losing last year's Wimbledon final to Angelique Kerber, and said ahead of the Australian Open that she was taking nothing for granted. "It's something that I clearly want but I have to be able to get there and beat a lot of good players to get it," the American said. Regarding the controversial final against Osaka at Flushing Meadows -- when she raged against umpire Carlos Ramos who imposed three code violations, the final one resulting in the loss of a game -- Williams said she had put it put behind her and intended to "move on to bigger and better things". Bookmakers in Australia have installed Williams as a short-priced favourite for the title with her US Open conqueror Osaka -- the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam -- next in the betting. - Osaka shines - The 21-year-old Osaka backed up her US Open win by riding a wave of fanatical home support to reach the final of the Pan-Pacific Open in Tokyo without dropping a set. She warmed up for Melbourne by making the semi-finals of the Brisbane International last week, where she blamed a poor attitude for losing to Lesia Tsurenko. "I feel like last year I did a lot of that," she said. "I'm trying to change it more, and I think I have." While she is the leading light for the next generation, the world number four's status as second favourite points to a lack of serious rivals for Williams among the more established players. Wozniacki, ranked three, started last season by winning her first Grand Slam in Melbourne and returning to world number one, but ended it in October with the bombshell announcement that she had been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. The 28-year-old Dane insists she can manage the debilitating auto-immune condition, which sometimes leaves her so exhausted she cannot raise her arms above her head. Wozniacki proved she can still compete by winning in Beijing in October but whether she can cope with the gruelling two-week slog of a Grand Slam remains to be seen, and she was bundled out of the Auckland Classic last week in round two. - Halep cloud - World number one Simona Halep of Romania comes into the tournament under a fitness cloud after a nagging back injury curtailed her 2018 season. Second-ranked Angelique Kerber has already indicated her priority for 2019 will be the French Open, the only Slam to elude the 30-year-old German in her career. Maria Sharapova has failed to impress since returning from a doping ban and, now ranked 30, is looking some way from the player who won five Grand Slams. Two-time major champion and former number one Garbine Muguruza was another who had an injury-blighted 2018 which saw her drop out of the top 10. But the 20-year-old Aryna Sabalenka from Belarus has zoomed up the rankings from 73rd at the start of 2018 to number 11 on the back of tournament wins in New Haven and Wuhan, and is a dark horse to emulate Osaka and achieve a maiden Grand Slam.

Australian Open: History beckons as Serena shoots for Grand Slam history

Defending champion Caroline Wozniacki on Tuesday defeated Petra Kvitova for the first time in four years with a 7-5 3-6 6-2 victory at the WTA Finals in Singapore.

Wozniacki, 28, sealed the win in two hours and 19 minutes despite needing medical treatment on her knee during the second set.

Her last win over the Czech fourth seed came at the 2014 WTA Finals.

Elina Svitolina plays Karolina Pliskova later on Tuesday. Victory for Pliskova would leave Kvitova unable to qualify for the semi-finals.

Second seed Wozniacki, who lost to Pliskova on Sunday, took an early lead on her third set point after Kvitova had made 16 unforced errors.

Defending champion Caroline Wozniacki on Tuesday defeated Petra Kvitova for the first time in four years with a 7-5 3-6 6-2 victory at the WTA Finals in Singapore.

Defending champion Caroline Wozniacki on Tuesday defeated Petra Kvitova for the first time in four years with a 7-5 3-6 6-2 victory at the WTA Finals in Singapore. Wozniacki, 28, sealed the win in two hours and 19 minutes despite needing medical treatment on her knee during the second set. Her last win over the Czech fourth seed came at the 2014 WTA Finals. Elina Svitolina plays Karolina Pliskova later on Tuesday. Victory for Pliskova would leave Kvitova unable to qualify for the semi-finals. Second seed Wozniacki, who lost to Pliskova on Sunday, took an early lead on her third set point after Kvitova had made 16 unforced errors.

WTA Finals: Despite knee injury, defending champion Wozniacki beats Petra Kvitova

Karolina Pliskova was delighted to gain a modicum of revenge against Caroline Wozniacki at the WTA Finals on Sunday after the big-serving Czech opened her campaign with a 6-2 6-4 win over an opponent who knocked her out in the semi-finals a year ago.

Pliskova has not enjoyed a great record against the defending champion, trailing 6-3 in head-to-head meetings before their latest encounter, but she served brilliantly this time to banish the memory of last year's loss to the Dane.

The pair had not faced each other this season which was unusual, Pliskova told reporters after opening her White Group campaign with a win.

"I remember last year we played a lot. So I was just happy that I got this top win against a top player. So it's always very positive, always gives me extra confidence to beat a player like this," Pliskova said.

"And especially her, you really have to beat because she's not going to give you anything.

"She was missing a lot in the first set, but she played much better in the second and I had to really fight for it. I was just happy that I closed it out in the second."

In their meeting a year ago, Pliskova was broken five times as Wozniacki battled to a 7-6(9) 6-3 triumph, so she was elated to have saved every break point the Dane earned in their rematch on Sunday.

"10 of 10, I know. I think that's the best statistic on my serve on the break points ever," the 26-year-old said.

"I know my serve was quite okay today. The percentage was pretty high. I just tried to hit first serves. The surface here, if you try to mix the speed, it's working well. So I tried to do that.

"I played pretty well on my service games. Not always under control, but she's a good player so she's going to put a lot of balls back, make you work for it. I'm pretty happy with the performance."

Wozniacki was obviously disappointed to lose her first round robin match but the Australian Open champion will be looking to recover in her second tie against Petra Kvitova on Tuesday.

"I think with someone like Petra, she can play maybe not as well in one match and extremely well in the next. I think you don't really know what to expect. I just have to be out there and ready for everything," Wozniacki said.

"I have a few things to work on, but there are still some positives to take with me.

"The good thing I suppose with this format is you're not out. You still have a chance. So I'm going to try to use my second life out here and try and get through."

Ukraine's Elina Svitolina is the other player in the group.

Karolina Pliskova was delighted to gain a modicum of revenge against Caroline Wozniacki at the WTA Finals on Sunday after the big-serving Czech opened her campaign with a 6-2 6-4 win over an opponent who knocked her out in the semi-finals a year ago.

Karolina Pliskova was delighted to gain a modicum of revenge against Caroline Wozniacki at the WTA Finals on Sunday after the big-serving Czech opened her campaign with a 6-2 6-4 win over an opponent who knocked her out in the semi-finals a year ago. Pliskova has not enjoyed a great record against the defending champion, trailing 6-3 in head-to-head meetings before their latest encounter, but she served brilliantly this time to banish the memory of last year's loss to the Dane. The pair had not faced each other this season which was unusual, Pliskova told reporters after opening her White Group campaign with a win. "I remember last year we played a lot. So I was just happy that I got this top win against a top player. So it's always very positive, always gives me extra confidence to beat a player like this," Pliskova said. "And especially her, you really have to beat because she's not going to give you anything. "She was missing a lot in the first set, but she played much better in the second and I had to really fight for it. I was just happy that I closed it out in the second." In their meeting a year ago, Pliskova was broken five times as Wozniacki battled to a 7-6(9) 6-3 triumph, so she was elated to have saved every break point the Dane earned in their rematch on Sunday. "10 of 10, I know. I think that's the best statistic on my serve on the break points ever," the 26-year-old said. "I know my serve was quite okay today. The percentage was pretty high. I just tried to hit first serves. The surface here, if you try to mix the speed, it's working well. So I tried to do that. "I played pretty well on my service games. Not always under control, but she's a good player so she's going to put a lot of balls back, make you work for it. I'm pretty happy with the performance." Wozniacki was obviously disappointed to lose her first round robin match but the Australian Open champion will be looking to recover in her second tie against Petra Kvitova on Tuesday. "I think with someone like Petra, she can play maybe not as well in one match and extremely well in the next. I think you don't really know what to expect. I just have to be out there and ready for everything," Wozniacki said. "I have a few things to work on, but there are still some positives to take with me. "The good thing I suppose with this format is you're not out. You still have a chance. So I'm going to try to use my second life out here and try and get through." Ukraine's Elina Svitolina is the other player in the group.

Pliskova revels in 'top win' over Wozniacki at WTA Finals

The women's tennis season concludes at the WTA Finals in Singapore next week and, like a majority of tournaments during the 2018 campaign, picking a winner from a wide-open field seems a near impossible task.

With Serena Williams battling to regain fitness and top form following a difficult childbirth in 2017, the Grand Slams went to four different women for the second consecutive year.

Caroline Wozniacki was one of three first-time major champions when she captured the Australian Open in January and the Dane is back in Singapore to defend her WTA Finals title full of confidence and momentum.

The other maiden major winners were French Open champion Simona Halep and rising Japanese prospect Naomi Osaka, who stunned Williams in last month's controversial US&nbsp;Open final, while Angelique Kerber beat Williams at Wimbledon to claim her third Grand Slam title.

Halep is the only one of the four Grand Slam champions to miss the WTA Finals after a back injury forced the world number one to withdraw just days before the event.

Williams, who played in only seven events this year, three of them Grand Slams, has not been to the season finale since winning it in 2014, when it was first staged in Singapore.

The eight women who earned a spot at the tournament have been divided into two pools of four, with play getting underway on Sunday in the White Group when big-hitting Czech Petra Kvitova takes on Ukraine's Elina Svitolina.

World number two Wozniacki will open her campaign immediately after that clash in the other White Group match of the night against Czech Karolina Pliskova, a player she beat in last year's semi-finals on her way to the title.

"All the best players are here so there's no easy matches. I'm just excited to start the competition and do my best," Wozniacki said at Friday's draw ceremony.&nbsp;

"As defending champion I want to defend my title and end the season on a high."

Fan favourite

Kerber and Osaka are the top seeds in the Red Group with the German opening her campaign on Monday against Halep's replacement Kiki Bertens after Osaka takes on American Sloane Stephens, her predecessor as US&nbsp;Open champion.

Last year, Wozniacki rode the momentum of a late season surge all the way to victory at the Singapore Indoor Stadium and after the 28-year-old won her second China Open title earlier this month, she will be hoping for a similar outcome this time.

While half of the field have stuttered slightly after strong starts to the season, Osaka and Pliskova also have some momentum heading into the eight-day event, the Czech having beaten the Japanese at the recent Pan Pacific Open final in Tokyo.

Osaka admitted she was mentally exhausted in that final following her draining triumph in New York and the fan favourite, who turned 21 just days ago, could confirm her arrival as a major force on the women's tour.

Pool play concludes on Friday, with the semi-finals and final taking place next weekend in the fifth and final running of the event in Singapore before it heads to Shenzhen in China for a 10-year run from 2019.

The women's tennis season concludes at the WTA Finals in Singapore next week and, like a majority of tournaments during the 2018 campaign, picking a winner from a wide-open field seems a near impossible task.

The women's tennis season concludes at the WTA Finals in Singapore next week and, like a majority of tournaments during the 2018 campaign, picking a winner from a wide-open field seems a near impossible task. With Serena Williams battling to regain fitness and top form following a difficult childbirth in 2017, the Grand Slams went to four different women for the second consecutive year. Caroline Wozniacki was one of three first-time major champions when she captured the Australian Open in January and the Dane is back in Singapore to defend her WTA Finals title full of confidence and momentum. The other maiden major winners were French Open champion Simona Halep and rising Japanese prospect Naomi Osaka, who stunned Williams in last month's controversial US Open final, while Angelique Kerber beat Williams at Wimbledon to claim her third Grand Slam title. Halep is the only one of the four Grand Slam champions to miss the WTA Finals after a back injury forced the world number one to withdraw just days before the event. Williams, who played in only seven events this year, three of them Grand Slams, has not been to the season finale since winning it in 2014, when it was first staged in Singapore. The eight women who earned a spot at the tournament have been divided into two pools of four, with play getting underway on Sunday in the White Group when big-hitting Czech Petra Kvitova takes on Ukraine's Elina Svitolina. World number two Wozniacki will open her campaign immediately after that clash in the other White Group match of the night against Czech Karolina Pliskova, a player she beat in last year's semi-finals on her way to the title. "All the best players are here so there's no easy matches. I'm just excited to start the competition and do my best," Wozniacki said at Friday's draw ceremony. "As defending champion I want to defend my title and end the season on a high." Fan favourite Kerber and Osaka are the top seeds in the Red Group with the German opening her campaign on Monday against Halep's replacement Kiki Bertens after Osaka takes on American Sloane Stephens, her predecessor as US Open champion. Last year, Wozniacki rode the momentum of a late season surge all the way to victory at the Singapore Indoor Stadium and after the 28-year-old won her second China Open title earlier this month, she will be hoping for a similar outcome this time. While half of the field have stuttered slightly after strong starts to the season, Osaka and Pliskova also have some momentum heading into the eight-day event, the Czech having beaten the Japanese at the recent Pan Pacific Open final in Tokyo. Osaka admitted she was mentally exhausted in that final following her draining triumph in New York and the fan favourite, who turned 21 just days ago, could confirm her arrival as a major force on the women's tour. Pool play concludes on Friday, with the semi-finals and final taking place next weekend in the fifth and final running of the event in Singapore before it heads to Shenzhen in China for a 10-year run from 2019.

Caroline Wozniacki seeks repeat at wide-open WTA Finals

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?title=simona+halep">Simona Halep</a> remained atop of the Women's Tennis Association rankings released on Monday with 7,421 points. French Open Champion Halep will finish the year as women's world number one for the second season in a row.

"Finishing the season as the world number one last year was a huge honour for me," Halep said in a WTA news release.

"To do it for a second time in 2018 feels like a special achievement, especially having also won my first Grand Slam this year."

Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki is at number two followed by Germany's Angelique Kerber.

US Open champion Naomi Osaka of Japan is at number four.

The Czech Republic's Karolina Pliskova climbed one spot to fifth after her final run at the Tianjin Open. While France's Caroline Garcia jumped four positions up to the 12th after she won the Tianjin Open title over Pliskova on Sunday.

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/KaPliskova?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KaPliskova</a> has moved back into the Top 5 after her final run at the <a href="https://twitter.com/TianjinOpen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TianjinOpen</a>! 
 
Complete Rankings--&gt; <a href="https://t.co/aAAYOvJKZM">https://t.co/aAAYOvJKZM</a> <a href="https://t.co/suT6bgf8J9">pic.twitter.com/suT6bgf8J9</a>
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The current WTA rankings and point scores are as follows:

1. Simona Halep (Romania) 7,421 points

2. Caroline Wozniacki (Denmark) 6,461

3. Angelique Kerber (Germany) 5,400

4. Naomi Osaka (Japan) 4,740

5. Karolina Pliskova (Czech Republic) 4,465

6. Elina Svitolina (Ukraine) 4,350

7. Petra Kvitova (Czech Republic) 4,255

8. Sloane Stephens (USA) 4,022

9. Julia Gorges (Germany) 3,785

10. Kiki Bertens (The Netherlands) 3,740.

Simona Halep remained atop of the Women's Tennis Association rankings released on Monday with 7,421 points. French Open Champion Halep will finish the year as women's world number one for the second season in a row.

Simona Halep remained atop of the Women's Tennis Association rankings released on Monday with 7,421 points. French Open Champion Halep will finish the year as women's world number one for the second season in a row. "Finishing the season as the world number one last year was a huge honour for me," Halep said in a WTA news release. "To do it for a second time in 2018 feels like a special achievement, especially having also won my first Grand Slam this year." Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki is at number two followed by Germany's Angelique Kerber. US Open champion Naomi Osaka of Japan is at number four. The Czech Republic's Karolina Pliskova climbed one spot to fifth after her final run at the Tianjin Open. While France's Caroline Garcia jumped four positions up to the 12th after she won the Tianjin Open title over Pliskova on Sunday. .@KaPliskova has moved back into the Top 5 after her final run at the @TianjinOpen! Complete Rankings--> https://t.co/aAAYOvJKZM pic.twitter.com/suT6bgf8J9 — WTA (@WTA) October 15, 2018 × The current WTA rankings and point scores are as follows: 1. Simona Halep (Romania) 7,421 points 2. Caroline Wozniacki (Denmark) 6,461 3. Angelique Kerber (Germany) 5,400 4. Naomi Osaka (Japan) 4,740 5. Karolina Pliskova (Czech Republic) 4,465 6. Elina Svitolina (Ukraine) 4,350 7. Petra Kvitova (Czech Republic) 4,255 8. Sloane Stephens (USA) 4,022 9. Julia Gorges (Germany) 3,785 10. Kiki Bertens (The Netherlands) 3,740.

Simona Halep remains on top of world tennis rankings

Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki defeated Latvia's Anastasija Sevastova 6-3 6-3 in the China Open final to claim her third title of the season.

The Dane, who did not drop a set throughout the tournament, hit 12 winners and won four out of eight break point chances to beat the unseeded Sevastova in 87 minutes.

It was Wozniacki's second title in Beijing, following her success in 2010 which had taken her to the top of the world rankings for the first time in her career.

"I feel great being here. Having won again... eight is my lucky number and it is eight years ago I won here so I felt like it was my year," world number two Wozniacki said.

After easing through the first set, Wozniacki raced to a 4-1 lead in the second. Sevastova, who has been managing a stomach muscle injury since the round of 16, broke back to give herself a chance to mount a comeback.

But Wozniacki saved three break points to take a 5-3 lead as Sevastova struggled for consistency. The world number 20 made 35 unforced errors in the match, including 21 in the second set, to allow Wozniacki to close out the victory.

Sevastova, who has not beaten Wozniacki in five attempts, said was pleased with her performance this week despite missing out on a second title of the season.

"It was one of my best tournaments ever. Caroline played amazing today, it's always tough playing against her and I have never won. I hope that we will continue to have good matches," Sevastova said.

Wozniacki's victory is bound to boost her confidence ahead of this month's season-ending WTA Finals in Singapore, where the 28-year-old is the defending champion.

Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki defeated Latvia's Anastasija Sevastova 6-3 6-3 in the China Open final to claim her third title of the season. The Dane, who did not drop a set throughout the tournament, hit 12 winners and won four out of eight break point chances to beat the unseeded Sevastova in 87 minutes.

Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki defeated Latvia's Anastasija Sevastova 6-3 6-3 in the China Open final to claim her third title of the season. The Dane, who did not drop a set throughout the tournament, hit 12 winners and won four out of eight break point chances to beat the unseeded Sevastova in 87 minutes. It was Wozniacki's second title in Beijing, following her success in 2010 which had taken her to the top of the world rankings for the first time in her career. "I feel great being here. Having won again... eight is my lucky number and it is eight years ago I won here so I felt like it was my year," world number two Wozniacki said. After easing through the first set, Wozniacki raced to a 4-1 lead in the second. Sevastova, who has been managing a stomach muscle injury since the round of 16, broke back to give herself a chance to mount a comeback. But Wozniacki saved three break points to take a 5-3 lead as Sevastova struggled for consistency. The world number 20 made 35 unforced errors in the match, including 21 in the second set, to allow Wozniacki to close out the victory. Sevastova, who has not beaten Wozniacki in five attempts, said was pleased with her performance this week despite missing out on a second title of the season. "It was one of my best tournaments ever. Caroline played amazing today, it's always tough playing against her and I have never won. I hope that we will continue to have good matches," Sevastova said. Wozniacki's victory is bound to boost her confidence ahead of this month's season-ending WTA Finals in Singapore, where the 28-year-old is the defending champion.

Wozniacki swats aside Sevastova to wear Beijing crown

World number two Caroline Wozniacki and Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber were stunned at the Wuhan Open in China on Wednesday.

Both the top players suffered shocking defeats at the hands of less fancied opponents. Olympic champion Monica Puig defeated Wozniacki 7-6 (12-10), 7-5 to reach the quarter-finals.

He was joined in the last eight by in-form Ashleigh Barty, who upset world number three Kerber 7-5, 6-1.

The 51st-ranked Puig was more than a match for Australian Open champion Wozniacki, who missed an opportunity to narrow the gap at the top after world number one Simona Halep was knocked out on Monday.

Wozniacki made a solid start to the match, winning the first three games, but Puig quickly fought her way back to win two gruelling sets, the first of which was decided through a tie-breaker.

Puig, will now face Wang Qiang of China, who ousted Australia’s Daria Gavrilova 7-5, 6-2 to the delight of the home crowd.

World number two Caroline Wozniacki and Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber were stunned at the Wuhan Open in China on Wednesday. Both the top players suffered shocking defeats at the hands of less fancied opponents.

World number two Caroline Wozniacki and Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber were stunned at the Wuhan Open in China on Wednesday. Both the top players suffered shocking defeats at the hands of less fancied opponents. Olympic champion Monica Puig defeated Wozniacki 7-6 (12-10), 7-5 to reach the quarter-finals. He was joined in the last eight by in-form Ashleigh Barty, who upset world number three Kerber 7-5, 6-1. The 51st-ranked Puig was more than a match for Australian Open champion Wozniacki, who missed an opportunity to narrow the gap at the top after world number one Simona Halep was knocked out on Monday. Wozniacki made a solid start to the match, winning the first three games, but Puig quickly fought her way back to win two gruelling sets, the first of which was decided through a tie-breaker. Puig, will now face Wang Qiang of China, who ousted Australia’s Daria Gavrilova 7-5, 6-2 to the delight of the home crowd.

Wozniacki, Kerber suffer shock defeats at Wuhan Open

Caroline Wozniacki bt Georgina Garcia Perez 6-1, 6-0

Second seed Caroline Wozniacki cruised into the French Open third round on Wednesday with a 6-1, 6-0 thrashing of Spanish qualifier Georgina Garcia Perez.

Reigning Australian Open champion Wozniacki, who can regain the world number one ranking from Simona Halep by winning a second Grand Slam title in Paris, will next play the winner of the all-French clash between Alize Cornet and Pauline Parmentier.

World number 219 Garcia Perez, 26, was playing in the main draw of a major tournament for the first time and was totally outclassed on Court Philippe Chatrier, as Denmark's Wozniacki won in just 51 minutes.

Elina Svitolina bt Viktoria Kuzmova 6-3, 6-4

Ukrainian fourth seed Elina Svitolina reached the last 32 for the fourth straight year by brushing aside Viktoria Kuzmova in straight sets. The 23-year-old, who arrived in Paris having won her second straight Italian Open title, saw off her Slovakian opponent 6-3, 6-4 and will next take on Romanian 31st seed Mihaela Buzarnescu.

Naomi Osaka bt Zarina Diyas 6-4, 7-5

Charismatic Japanese 21st seed Naomi Osaka came through a tight match with Kazakhstan's Zarina Diyas 6-4, 7-5.

The 20-year-old Osaka is seeded for the first time at a major tournament, having lifted the prestigious Indian Wells title earlier this year before beating Serena Williams in Miami the following week.

Caroline Wozniacki, Naomi Osaka and Elina Svitolina reached the third round at Roland-Garros

Caroline Wozniacki bt Georgina Garcia Perez 6-1, 6-0 Second seed Caroline Wozniacki cruised into the French Open third round on Wednesday with a 6-1, 6-0 thrashing of Spanish qualifier Georgina Garcia Perez. Reigning Australian Open champion Wozniacki, who can regain the world number one ranking from Simona Halep by winning a second Grand Slam title in Paris, will next play the winner of the all-French clash between Alize Cornet and Pauline Parmentier. World number 219 Garcia Perez, 26, was playing in the main draw of a major tournament for the first time and was totally outclassed on Court Philippe Chatrier, as Denmark's Wozniacki won in just 51 minutes. Elina Svitolina bt Viktoria Kuzmova 6-3, 6-4 Ukrainian fourth seed Elina Svitolina reached the last 32 for the fourth straight year by brushing aside Viktoria Kuzmova in straight sets. The 23-year-old, who arrived in Paris having won her second straight Italian Open title, saw off her Slovakian opponent 6-3, 6-4 and will next take on Romanian 31st seed Mihaela Buzarnescu. Naomi Osaka bt Zarina Diyas 6-4, 7-5 Charismatic Japanese 21st seed Naomi Osaka came through a tight match with Kazakhstan's Zarina Diyas 6-4, 7-5. The 20-year-old Osaka is seeded for the first time at a major tournament, having lifted the prestigious Indian Wells title earlier this year before beating Serena Williams in Miami the following week.

French Open: Wozniacki, Osaka, Svitolina enter women's singles 3rd round

Five matches to watch at the French Open on Monday are:

Rafael Nadal (ESP x1) v Simone Bolelli (ITA)

Nadal starts his bid for an 11th French Open title against grizzled Italian veteran Simone Bolelli who got into the main draw as a lucky loser when Ukraine's Alexandr Dolgopolov withdrew with a wrist injury. Nadal has a record 79 wins against just two defeats in his Roland Garros career and arrives in Paris with his 11th titles in Monte Carlo and Barcelona and an eighth triumph in Rome.

Bolelli, 32, is ranked at 130 and has never got past the third round at Roland Garros. In five meetings with Nadal, he has won just one set.

Rogerio Dutra Silva (BRA) v Novak Djokovic (SRB x20)

A run to the semi-finals in Rome gave 2016 Roland Garros champion Djokovic hope that he is finally over the elbow injury which has seen his form dip and ranking slip to its lowest in over a decade.

Dutra Silva, 34 and ranked at 132 in the world, has never progressed beyond the second round in Paris.

But he has made two quarter-finals this year in Sao Paulo and in Istanbul which suggests a degree of clay-court proficiency.

Djokovic won their only meeting in the last 64 at the US Open in 2012, dropping just five games.&nbsp

Maria Sharapova (RUS x28) v Richel Hogenkamp (NED)

One of the most eagerly-awaited returns of recent years will be Serena Williams playing her first major since the 2017 Australian Open. The other is that of Sharapova who was refused a wildcard entry in 2017 by organisers uncomfortable with the 15-month doping ban she had just completed.

Sharapova, the Roland Garros champion in 2012 and 2014, has also been a two-time semi-finalist in Paris.

A run to the semi-finals on clay in Rome and a Madrid quarter-final spot this spring suggests the Russian is fired up.

Hogenkamp, 26 and the world 134, made the second round in Paris last year but lost her only previous meeting with Sharapova in the last 16 at Wimbledon in 2015.

Hogenkamp hasn't won a single match on tour this year, a miserable record which includes two losses on clay.

Danielle Collins (USA) v Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x2)

Former world number one Wozniacki finally broke through to her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open this year in her 43rd major. Twice a quarter-finalist in Paris, in 2010 and 2017, the 27-year-old has endured a patchy European spring on clay with quarter-final runs at Istanbul and Rome.

Collins, a 24-year-old from Florida, is ranked 44 in the world after a shock run to the semi-finals at Miami in March.

However, she has yet to win a Grand Slam match, losing twice at the US Open and never having played at the Australian and French Opens and Wimbledon.

Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (ESP) v Stan Wawrinka (SUI x23)

Wawrinka, the 2015 champion, and runner-up to Nadal in 2017, arrives in Paris under an injury cloud having been laid low by a knee injury which had required surgery last year. Wawrinka missed three months this year before returning in Geneva last week where he won one match.

Garcia-Lopez, 34 years old and ranked 71, made the fourth round in 2014.

Wawrinka holds a 7-3 head-to-head record in a rivalry stretching &nbspback to 2005.

Here is a list of five matches to watch at the French Open

Five matches to watch at the French Open on Monday are: Rafael Nadal (ESP x1) v Simone Bolelli (ITA) Nadal starts his bid for an 11th French Open title against grizzled Italian veteran Simone Bolelli who got into the main draw as a lucky loser when Ukraine's Alexandr Dolgopolov withdrew with a wrist injury. Nadal has a record 79 wins against just two defeats in his Roland Garros career and arrives in Paris with his 11th titles in Monte Carlo and Barcelona and an eighth triumph in Rome. Bolelli, 32, is ranked at 130 and has never got past the third round at Roland Garros. In five meetings with Nadal, he has won just one set. Rogerio Dutra Silva (BRA) v Novak Djokovic (SRB x20) A run to the semi-finals in Rome gave 2016 Roland Garros champion Djokovic hope that he is finally over the elbow injury which has seen his form dip and ranking slip to its lowest in over a decade. Dutra Silva, 34 and ranked at 132 in the world, has never progressed beyond the second round in Paris. But he has made two quarter-finals this year in Sao Paulo and in Istanbul which suggests a degree of clay-court proficiency. Djokovic won their only meeting in the last 64 at the US Open in 2012, dropping just five games. Maria Sharapova (RUS x28) v Richel Hogenkamp (NED) One of the most eagerly-awaited returns of recent years will be Serena Williams playing her first major since the 2017 Australian Open. The other is that of Sharapova who was refused a wildcard entry in 2017 by organisers uncomfortable with the 15-month doping ban she had just completed. Sharapova, the Roland Garros champion in 2012 and 2014, has also been a two-time semi-finalist in Paris. A run to the semi-finals on clay in Rome and a Madrid quarter-final spot this spring suggests the Russian is fired up. Hogenkamp, 26 and the world 134, made the second round in Paris last year but lost her only previous meeting with Sharapova in the last 16 at Wimbledon in 2015. Hogenkamp hasn't won a single match on tour this year, a miserable record which includes two losses on clay. Danielle Collins (USA) v Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x2) Former world number one Wozniacki finally broke through to her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open this year in her 43rd major. Twice a quarter-finalist in Paris, in 2010 and 2017, the 27-year-old has endured a patchy European spring on clay with quarter-final runs at Istanbul and Rome. Collins, a 24-year-old from Florida, is ranked 44 in the world after a shock run to the semi-finals at Miami in March. However, she has yet to win a Grand Slam match, losing twice at the US Open and never having played at the Australian and French Opens and Wimbledon. Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (ESP) v Stan Wawrinka (SUI x23) Wawrinka, the 2015 champion, and runner-up to Nadal in 2017, arrives in Paris under an injury cloud having been laid low by a knee injury which had required surgery last year. Wawrinka missed three months this year before returning in Geneva last week where he won one match. Garcia-Lopez, 34 years old and ranked 71, made the fourth round in 2014. Wawrinka holds a 7-3 head-to-head record in a rivalry stretching &nbspback to 2005.

French Open: Five important matches to watch on Monday

Russian Daria Kasatkina, who has beaten all four reigning Grand Slam champions in the past year, upset world No. 2 Caroline Wozniacki 6-4, 7-5 at the WTA Indian Wells event on Tuesday.

Kasatkina recorded her second straight win over Wozniacki, having also beaten the reigning Australian Open champ at the St. Petersburg tournament last month. &nbsp;

The 20-year-old Kasatkina improved to 11-6 on the WTA Tour season as she seeks to better her quarter-final appearance here in 2016.

Kasatkina hit one ace, won 54 percent of her first serves and broke Wozniacki&#39;s serve six times in the one hour, 40-minute match.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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.<a href="https://twitter.com/CaroWozniacki?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CaroWozniacki</a> comes forward at the net en route to a hold for 4-5! 
 
She&#39;s already saved a set point. Can she come back or can Kasatkina serve it out? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BNPPO18?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BNPPO18</a> <a href="https://t.co/XkUNyVapXY">pic.twitter.com/XkUNyVapXY</a>
&mdash; WTA (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/973756659314016256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&quot;She outsmarted me today, which is fair enough,&quot; Wozniacki said. &quot;But, you know, at least I tried, and I tried to do what I thought I needed to do out there today.

&quot;I just couldn&#39;t execute as well as I wanted to.&quot;

It was a disappointing exit for Wozniacki, who finally silenced her critics earlier this year with her maiden Grand Slam title in Melbourne, where she defeated Simona Halep in the final.

That victory not only earned Wozniacki her first Grand Slam title but it made her the world number one. Halep reclaimed the ranking just before Indian Wells.

Wozniacki had a chance to take it back but she needed to win the Indian Wells title to do it.

Kasatkina will play either seventh seed Caroline Garcia of France or Angelique Kerber of Germany in the quarter-finals.

&nbsp;

Russian Daria Kasatkina defeated Australian Open Champion Caroline Wozniacki 6-4, 7-5, to enter quater-finals

Russian Daria Kasatkina, who has beaten all four reigning Grand Slam champions in the past year, upset world No. 2 Caroline Wozniacki 6-4, 7-5 at the WTA Indian Wells event on Tuesday. Kasatkina recorded her second straight win over Wozniacki, having also beaten the reigning Australian Open champ at the St. Petersburg tournament last month. The 20-year-old Kasatkina improved to 11-6 on the WTA Tour season as she seeks to better her quarter-final appearance here in 2016. Kasatkina hit one ace, won 54 percent of her first serves and broke Wozniacki's serve six times in the one hour, 40-minute match. .@CaroWozniacki comes forward at the net en route to a hold for 4-5! She's already saved a set point. Can she come back or can Kasatkina serve it out? #BNPPO18 pic.twitter.com/XkUNyVapXY — WTA (@WTA) March 14, 2018 × "She outsmarted me today, which is fair enough," Wozniacki said. "But, you know, at least I tried, and I tried to do what I thought I needed to do out there today. "I just couldn't execute as well as I wanted to." It was a disappointing exit for Wozniacki, who finally silenced her critics earlier this year with her maiden Grand Slam title in Melbourne, where she defeated Simona Halep in the final. That victory not only earned Wozniacki her first Grand Slam title but it made her the world number one. Halep reclaimed the ranking just before Indian Wells. Wozniacki had a chance to take it back but she needed to win the Indian Wells title to do it. Kasatkina will play either seventh seed Caroline Garcia of France or Angelique Kerber of Germany in the quarter-finals.

Daria Kasatkina upsets world No. 2 Wozniacki in Indian Wells

Simona Halep&#39;s injury-plagued start to the season continued Friday as a lingering foot injury forced her out of the Qatar Open, as Caroline Wozniacki advanced to the semis and ensured she kept her world number one ranking.

A clearly frustrated Halep said she needed further time away from the game to recuperate despite a straights sets victory in her quarter-final against American teenage qualifier, Catherine Bellis, 6-0 6-4.

On a dramatic night in Doha, Wozniacki won 7-6 (7/4), 1-6, 6-3 against Germany&#39;s Angelique Kerber to progress to the last four, a result which also means she becomes just the fourth woman in history to pass $30 million in tennis prize money.

Meanwhile, Germany&#39;s Julia Georges was forced to retire through injury when she was 6-4, 2-1 down to Petra Kvitova.

And Garbine Muguruza was handed a walkover to the final -- and will get a day&#39;s rest -- because of the withdrawal of Halep, after beating France&#39;s Caroline Garcia 6-3, 1-6, 6-4.

But it was the blow to the world number two which was the main talking point of the night.

The injury to her right foot had forced out of the game since the Australian Open, where she lost the final to Wozniacki.

Doha represented Halep&#39;s comeback after she also withdrew from a Fed Cup tie earlier this month.

Earlier in the week, Halep admitted she was worried about the injury flaring up again and despite her victory on Friday, she admitted it would once again sideline her.

&quot;I withdraw because I cannot play anymore and it&#39;s going to be dangerous if I force it,&quot; she told reporters.

&quot;Today it was worse, and that&#39;s why I took this decision. It&#39;s not easy, but I talked to my doctor. He said that I didn&#39;t have enough time to recover.

&quot;The MRI shows that I have fluid and also tendonitis at the fourth toe.&nbsp;

&quot;So I have just to take care of it and thinking about the health first.&quot;

Halep added she would not return to action until Indian Wells at the earliest, which begins early next month.

By contrast, Wozniacki, continued her sensational start to the season beating two-time Grand Slam winner Kerber in three sets. Wozniacki hit 46 winners in the process.

Asked about keeping her place at the top of the world rankings, she replied: &quot;It feels good, but honestly I&#39;m just happy to have won today.&nbsp;

&quot;I&#39;m more interested in that. And then whatever happens happens.&quot;

Wozniacki admitted she was envious of Muguruza&#39;s bye to the final.

&quot;I wish I had a day off tomorrow,&quot; she said.

Kvitova&#39;s hot streak

Wozniacki will play Kvitova in the last four on Saturday. It is the fourth time they will have met in a semi-final, the Czech winning all three previous encounters.

With nine of the world&#39;s top 10 women players in Doha this week, Kvitova has passed under the radar somewhat but has now won 11 consecutive matches, the second highest streak of her career.

World number four Muguruza beat France&#39;s Caroline Garcia 6-3, 1-6, 6-4 to book her place in Sunday&#39;s final.

The Spaniard said it was the best she had played so far this season.

&quot;I&#39;m happy overall with the match because even though in the first set she played very well, you know, this kind of game and match changes a lot,&quot; said Muguruza.

&nbsp;

Wozniacki won 7-6 (7/4), 1-6, 6-3 against Germany's Angelique Kerber to progress to the last four

Simona Halep's injury-plagued start to the season continued Friday as a lingering foot injury forced her out of the Qatar Open, as Caroline Wozniacki advanced to the semis and ensured she kept her world number one ranking. A clearly frustrated Halep said she needed further time away from the game to recuperate despite a straights sets victory in her quarter-final against American teenage qualifier, Catherine Bellis, 6-0 6-4. On a dramatic night in Doha, Wozniacki won 7-6 (7/4), 1-6, 6-3 against Germany's Angelique Kerber to progress to the last four, a result which also means she becomes just the fourth woman in history to pass $30 million in tennis prize money. Meanwhile, Germany's Julia Georges was forced to retire through injury when she was 6-4, 2-1 down to Petra Kvitova. And Garbine Muguruza was handed a walkover to the final -- and will get a day's rest -- because of the withdrawal of Halep, after beating France's Caroline Garcia 6-3, 1-6, 6-4. But it was the blow to the world number two which was the main talking point of the night. The injury to her right foot had forced out of the game since the Australian Open, where she lost the final to Wozniacki. Doha represented Halep's comeback after she also withdrew from a Fed Cup tie earlier this month. Earlier in the week, Halep admitted she was worried about the injury flaring up again and despite her victory on Friday, she admitted it would once again sideline her. "I withdraw because I cannot play anymore and it's going to be dangerous if I force it," she told reporters. "Today it was worse, and that's why I took this decision. It's not easy, but I talked to my doctor. He said that I didn't have enough time to recover. "The MRI shows that I have fluid and also tendonitis at the fourth toe. "So I have just to take care of it and thinking about the health first." Halep added she would not return to action until Indian Wells at the earliest, which begins early next month. By contrast, Wozniacki, continued her sensational start to the season beating two-time Grand Slam winner Kerber in three sets. Wozniacki hit 46 winners in the process. Asked about keeping her place at the top of the world rankings, she replied: "It feels good, but honestly I'm just happy to have won today. "I'm more interested in that. And then whatever happens happens." Wozniacki admitted she was envious of Muguruza's bye to the final. "I wish I had a day off tomorrow," she said. Kvitova's hot streak Wozniacki will play Kvitova in the last four on Saturday. It is the fourth time they will have met in a semi-final, the Czech winning all three previous encounters. With nine of the world's top 10 women players in Doha this week, Kvitova has passed under the radar somewhat but has now won 11 consecutive matches, the second highest streak of her career. World number four Muguruza beat France's Caroline Garcia 6-3, 1-6, 6-4 to book her place in Sunday's final. The Spaniard said it was the best she had played so far this season. "I'm happy overall with the match because even though in the first set she played very well, you know, this kind of game and match changes a lot," said Muguruza.

Halep injury woe continues as Wozniacki marches on in Qatar

Caroline Wozniacki won the first set of the Australian Open women`s final 7-6 (7/2) against Simona Halep as she attempts to claim a first-ever Grand Slam title on Saturday.

The imposing Dane got an early break to go 2-0 up and it went with serve until Halep pounced to break back for 4-5 and take it to a tiebreak.&nbsp;

Wozniacki quickly took charge, winning the tiebreak 7-2 when Halep sent a forehand into the net.

Halep and Wozniacki are looking for their first. They are both in their third major decider but have never won.

Wozniacki, 27, has long carried the unwanted moniker of best player never to claim a major, having reached the US Open final in 2009 and 2014, and first becoming number one in 2010.

She is in her 43rd Grand Slam appearance and desperate to get off the mark.

&quot;I always believed in myself,&quot; she said. &quot;I knew that if I can stay healthy and I work hard, my game is good enough for it.&quot;

Her hard work was rewarded with a renaissance in 2017, reaching eight finals -- winning in Tokyo and at the season-ending WTA Finals, where she banished another hoodoo by registering a first career win over Venus Williams.

She continued her sparkling form at the start of this year and has 10 wins and only one defeat, to Julia Goerges in the warm-up Auckland final.

The gritty Halep, 26, made her only previous Grand Slam final appearances at Roland Garros in 2014 and 2017.&nbsp;

The Romanian has only beaten Wozniacki twice in their six previous matches, the most recent meeting ending in a 6-0, 6-2 battering by the Dane at the 2017 WTA Finals in Singapore.

&quot;The way she&#39;s playing, she&#39;s not missing,&quot; said Halep of Wozniacki. &quot;She&#39;s running very well. So she&#39;s a strong opponent. I played her many times. I won against her few times.&nbsp;

&quot;It&#39;s going to be a different match. Emotions are there. Pressures are there for both of us. We&#39;ll see what is going to happen.&quot;

Wozniacki won the tiebreak 7-2 when Halep sent a forehand into the net

Caroline Wozniacki won the first set of the Australian Open women`s final 7-6 (7/2) against Simona Halep as she attempts to claim a first-ever Grand Slam title on Saturday. The imposing Dane got an early break to go 2-0 up and it went with serve until Halep pounced to break back for 4-5 and take it to a tiebreak. Wozniacki quickly took charge, winning the tiebreak 7-2 when Halep sent a forehand into the net. Halep and Wozniacki are looking for their first. They are both in their third major decider but have never won. Wozniacki, 27, has long carried the unwanted moniker of best player never to claim a major, having reached the US Open final in 2009 and 2014, and first becoming number one in 2010. She is in her 43rd Grand Slam appearance and desperate to get off the mark. "I always believed in myself," she said. "I knew that if I can stay healthy and I work hard, my game is good enough for it." Her hard work was rewarded with a renaissance in 2017, reaching eight finals -- winning in Tokyo and at the season-ending WTA Finals, where she banished another hoodoo by registering a first career win over Venus Williams. She continued her sparkling form at the start of this year and has 10 wins and only one defeat, to Julia Goerges in the warm-up Auckland final. The gritty Halep, 26, made her only previous Grand Slam final appearances at Roland Garros in 2014 and 2017. The Romanian has only beaten Wozniacki twice in their six previous matches, the most recent meeting ending in a 6-0, 6-2 battering by the Dane at the 2017 WTA Finals in Singapore. "The way she's playing, she's not missing," said Halep of Wozniacki. "She's running very well. So she's a strong opponent. I played her many times. I won against her few times. "It's going to be a different match. Emotions are there. Pressures are there for both of us. We'll see what is going to happen."

Australian Open: Caroline Wozniacki wins first set of final match

Caroline Wozniacki said she stopped herself thinking about what it would feel like to win a first grand slam title in case Saturday&#39;s Australian Open final against Simona Halep did not go to plan.

Wozniacki finally added her name to the grand slam winners&#39; list at the 43rd time of asking after outlasting Halep 7-6(2) 3-6 6-4 on a sweltering Rod Laver Arena, becoming the first Dane to win one of tennis&#39;s four biggest prizes.

Not only that but her triumph lifted her back to the top of the world rankings for the first time in six years -- a period during which life had thrown her several &quot;curve balls&quot;.

&quot;I didn&#39;t want to think too much about how it would feel to win before the match because that&#39;s like in case I don&#39;t, it`s going to hurt even more,&quot; the 27-year-old, less than two years after being ranked in the 70s after a career slide, told reporters with the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup at her side.

&quot;But now I&#39;m just so happy to have the trophy. As athletes, we don&#39;t enjoy the moments very long and I want to enjoy this one because it&#39;s very special.

&quot;I&#39;m a grand slam champion, and that still seems crazy to say, but I&#39;m also back to number one.

&quot;I couldn&#39;t have scripted it any better.&quot;

After two US&nbsp;Open final defeats, many thought Wozniacki might never get another chance to win a grand slam, let alone return to the top of the WTA standings.

&quot;Lots of ups and downs. But one thing that remained consistent was my fighting spirit and never giving up,&quot; Wozniacki, who now holds the record for length of time between stints at world number one, said.

&quot;Life sometimes throws curve balls at you and you have to deal with it. Tonight is such a special moment.&quot;

The fact that she could share that moment with her father Piotr, her coach since she was seven, added to the occasion.

&quot;My dad has been there from the start and we took the journey together,&quot; she said.

&quot;To have him in my corner on a night like tonight, holding the trophy and sharing this means a lot.&quot;

Wozniacki trailed 4-3 in a see-sawing final set in which both players seemed close to exhaustion.

But she found some last reserves of energy to reel off three games and leave Halep sucking up a third grand slam final loss.

&quot;I obviously feel very sad for her, but at the same time I`m very happy for myself,&quot; she said.

Caroline Wozniacki finally added her name to the grand slam winners' list at the 43rd time

Caroline Wozniacki said she stopped herself thinking about what it would feel like to win a first grand slam title in case Saturday's Australian Open final against Simona Halep did not go to plan. Wozniacki finally added her name to the grand slam winners' list at the 43rd time of asking after outlasting Halep 7-6(2) 3-6 6-4 on a sweltering Rod Laver Arena, becoming the first Dane to win one of tennis's four biggest prizes. Not only that but her triumph lifted her back to the top of the world rankings for the first time in six years -- a period during which life had thrown her several "curve balls". "I didn't want to think too much about how it would feel to win before the match because that's like in case I don't, it`s going to hurt even more," the 27-year-old, less than two years after being ranked in the 70s after a career slide, told reporters with the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup at her side. "But now I'm just so happy to have the trophy. As athletes, we don't enjoy the moments very long and I want to enjoy this one because it's very special. "I'm a grand slam champion, and that still seems crazy to say, but I'm also back to number one. "I couldn't have scripted it any better." After two US Open final defeats, many thought Wozniacki might never get another chance to win a grand slam, let alone return to the top of the WTA standings. "Lots of ups and downs. But one thing that remained consistent was my fighting spirit and never giving up," Wozniacki, who now holds the record for length of time between stints at world number one, said. "Life sometimes throws curve balls at you and you have to deal with it. Tonight is such a special moment." The fact that she could share that moment with her father Piotr, her coach since she was seven, added to the occasion. "My dad has been there from the start and we took the journey together," she said. "To have him in my corner on a night like tonight, holding the trophy and sharing this means a lot." Wozniacki trailed 4-3 in a see-sawing final set in which both players seemed close to exhaustion. But she found some last reserves of energy to reel off three games and leave Halep sucking up a third grand slam final loss. "I obviously feel very sad for her, but at the same time I`m very happy for myself," she said.

Tennis: I didn't want to think about winning, says champion Wozniacki

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