It’s been a rather quiet US Open for Caroline Wozniacki. Two rounds in and the No. 19 seed is just rolling along, in her first Open as a married woman to former Knick David Lee.
“I’m just happy to be through to the next round,” she said after beating American Danielle Collins, 4-6 6-3 6-4. “It’s two very different matches. The first match I got to play some longer rallies. This match, it was really all about just staying patient and trying to stay aggressive when I had the opportunity.”
If it seems like she has been at the Open forever, well it’s not just you. Ten years ago, she burst on the scene and made the Open Finals in 2009, losing to Kim Clijsters, who was just inducted into the court of champions.
“I think it’s a tournament I really enjoy coming back to every year,” she said. “Yeah, it’s 10 years ago, that’s a long time ago.”
And with all due respect to Mr. Lee, Wozniacki has always been a bridesmaid here in Flushing Meadows and never the bride.
Maybe that changes this year, and Wozniacki is trying her hardest at the advanced age of 29, but she has to run through a bunch of younger players, who are chomping at the bit for that trophy and of course there is her buddy Serena Williams, who won’t be an easy out either.
Of course she is trying to rebound from a down year on the court where she didn’t get out of the third round for in any major.
Speaking of that, Wozniacki’s next opponent is No. 15 seen Bianca Andreescu, who beat her earlier this season.
“I remember not really knowing who she was,” she said. “I remember I thought I played pretty well in that match. She still beat me. It was the first tournament of the year, so I was kind of unsure whether I was really hitting my level or whether she was playing that well. Obviously she was playing very well.
“She’s had a great year. Has won some big tournaments. She’s definitely coming in here with some confidence. It’s important for me that I’m just going to go out there and take my chances.”
Whatever happens Saturday, at least she can sleep in her own bed, as Wozniacki maintains an apartment in the city. Although not there as much as she wants to be, there is still time to soak in NYC.
“A few favorite neighborhoods for me,” she said. “I like Flatiron because I think it’s cool, there’s a lot of good restaurants and stuff. I love the Upper Eastside. If you want to check out some nice little restaurants and bars as well, I think the West Village is cool. It really just depends what mood I’m in.”
Today, she is definitely in a good mood.
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