Caroline Wozniacki opened her competitive tennis season at the Apia International Sydney and after surviving the three-set challenge against Dominika Cibulkova in the second round, the top-seeded Dane fell in the quarterfinals to Agnieszka Radwanska. On the other hand, world No.2 Petra Kvitova stormed into the semifinals with a 6-0 6-4 victory over Daniela Hantuchova, last week’s Brisbane finalist, and is now only two matches away from overtaking the top ranking from Wozniacki.
In the previous round Wozniacki worked her way past Dominika Cibulkova 7-5 2-6 6-4, the player she lost to in her opening match in Sydney last year. In the quarterfinals, Wozniacki was serving for the match at 6-3 5-4, but Radwanska complicated the scenario by winning three straight games to take the match to the third set. Somewhere in the middle of the third set Wozniacki had her left wrist strapped and looked more and more affected by the injury. Finally she lost 3-6 7-5 6-2 and the seriousness of her injury will be determined tomorrow.
Last year’s Sydney champion Li Na, who defeated Lucie Safarova 6-2 7-6 (3), will be Kvitova’s opponent in one semifinal, while the other semifinal will be played between Victoria Azarenka, who beat Marion Bartoli 7-5 6-4, and Agnieszka Radwanska. (photo: Ralf Reinecke)
Oh noes, what a shame! The tournament has just lost its spark for me with no Caro, Kim or Ana. 🙁
Li Na routed Kvitova in 3 sets to book her place in final, she will be facing Azarenka for the title. I was cheering for Li Na, though I did not watch the match, but it feels like Li Na is back in form, it will be great to see her compete against Azarenka tomorrow for the title. Hoping for Li to go one better this year again at Aussie Open 2012.
Can’t wait for the start if the Aussie Open. Caro is 4th rd at best, Li Na looks in great form, and so does Kvitova. Really sad to Petkovic out of Aussie Open, so many injuries so early.