MELBOURNE: Caroline Wozniacki admitted she was at a loss to explain how she managed to stay in the tournament after a stunning 3-6, 6-2, 7-5 victory over Jana Fett.
The second seed was expected to brush aside the challenge of the world No. 119. But 5-1 down in the third and final set Wozniacki faced two match points. The Dane decided she had to attack, saved the match points and rallied to a memorable victory.
And afterwards she said she was in total shock.
“That was crazy, I don’t know how I got back into the match,” a very relieved Wozniacki said.
“I’m very proud of the way I came back. It was definitely very difficult. Definitely wasn’t my best match, especially in the beginning.
“All of a sudden seeing myself down, almost out of the tournament, I started playing better and started really playing the tennis that I wanted to play.”
The Dane is yet to break her Grand Slam duck, having been as high as No. 1 in the rankings. However, last year saw a welcome return to form and with her half of the draw already witnessing some shock early exits, this could be Wozniacki’s year.
On Monday fifth seed Venus Williams, 10th seed CoCo. Vandeweghe and 13th seed and reigning US Open champion Sloane Stephens all made early exits, meaning the bottom half of the draw is now wide open.
“She really took her shots, she had nothing to lose,” said Wozniacki
But when in sight of by far the biggest win of her career, the world 119’s nerves got the better of her as Wozniacki reeled off 10 points in a row to spark a winning run of six unanswered games.
“Experience was crucial,” the 27-year-old said. “I think she suddenly realized at 5-1 what was happening and I just had to attack and take advantage of it.”
Caroline Wozniacki hails 'crazy' Australian Open win
Caroline Wozniacki hails 'crazy' Australian Open win
