ZCZC
BSP-13
TENNIS-NZL-WTA
Wozniacki targets New Zealand crown ahead of Australian Open
WELLINGTON, Dec 30, 2017 (BSS/AFP) – Top seed Caroline Wozniacki faces a
difficult assignment in the opening round of the ASB Classic in Auckland on
Monday after being drawn against unpredictable American Madison Brengle, as
the Danish player tunes up for the Australian Open next month.
Although Brengle is only ranked 85th in the world, she has been as high as
35th and her successes include making the fourth round of the 2015 Australian
Open and beating Serena Williams in the second round of the Auckland Classic
last year.
Wozniacki, the world number three, won the 2017 season-ending WTA
championship in Singapore and wants to start the new year with a win in New
Zealand.
“I was so happy with the way I managed to finish the year off,” Wozniacki
said on arrival in New Zealand.
“I love starting my year here so it’s great to be back and hopefully it’s
going to be a good one. I’ve never won the tournament before so it would be
great to do that this year.”
If she gets past Brengle in the opening round, she is likely to face
fourth-seed Agnieszka Radwanska in the semi-finals.
In the draw made Saturday, second seed Julia Goerges clashes with Olympic
champion Monica Puig in the first round, third-seed Barbora Strycova plays
former French Open finalist Sara Errani and Radwanska was drawn against
Brazilian Beatriz Haddad Maia.
BSS/AFP/MR/ 1255 hrs