It’s a great era for women’s tennis

Caroline Wozniacki has always been one of the world’s best tennis players, but some personal problems have led to an up and down these past few years, but it seems she has finally settled down.

After bursting on the scene in 2005, eight days after turning 15 years old, she made her steady rise to the top 10 after breaking the top 20 in ’08.

She reached the peak in 2010 by winning six titles and 62-match wins, and then followed it up with another tremendous 2011 with 63 wins and another six-tournament victories.

She has yet to win a grand slam event, but with the consistency she is now starting to show, and all the experience she now has, it seems like it might just be a matter of time.

I caught up with her at the WTA Finals, which featured the top eight players in the world today. 

PHILIPPINE STAR: You must be excited to be back in Singapore for the final tournament of the year. 

CAROLINE WOZNIACKI: Yes! It’s been a great year. After practicing on this surface, well, it is a little bit different. I think if the balls hit through, it kind of skids through the court. If there is a bit more spin on it, the ball stops and it’s very slow. I have played well here before, and I’m just excited for the challenge.

You have talked so much about the importance of staying healthy, how much does it mean for you to be here now? 

Yeah, I think it’s awesome. I have had a great year. You know, I have stayed healthy all year, which has been a huge thing. You know, I’m happy with the year I have had, and I’m just trying to enjoy this and try and play as well as I can, and try and finish off the year on a strong note. (She eventually won the tournament.)

What are your thoughts on women’s tennis today, especially given the fact that there have been five different world No. 1’s this year?

I think it’s a strong era and there are a lot of great players out there. You know, I think all of us have had a great year. Everyone who is here has had a great year. I’m just focusing on this tournament and trying to do as well as I can and then take it from there.

At this point, final tournament of the season for you, does it feel like the finish line is that much closer regardless of things? 

I’m not sure. You know, I’m just excited that we are done after this. It’s been a long trip to Asia, as well. I have been here for a long time. I’m excited to just go on vacation after this.

Honestly, I’m thinking obviously about my matches, but other than that, I’m just planning my vacation and already thinking myself over to the beaches and the sun, and a bit of time without tennis. It’s nice you can kind of see the end of the tunnel now, and it’s been a great year and I just want to finish it on a high note.

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