Spotlight on Wozniacki in Doha

 

Originally published on: 26/10/10 10:05

Caroline Wozniacki’s credentials as the world No.1 will be given their most significant test this week at the end-of-season WTA Championships in Doha.

The 20-year-old Dane rose to the top of the women’s game for the first time earlier this month following a season that has seen her pick up six titles.

Wozniacki’s ranking has, however, been questioned by some as she is yet to win a grand slam title, while Serena Williams has also been out since Wimbledon after cutting her foot on glass at a Munich restaurant.

That injury forced defending champion Williams to pull out of this week’s round-robin event, while sister Venus – who lost in last year’s final – has also withdrawn with a knee complaint.

With the Americans out of the tournament, which starts on Tuesday, the spotlight has fallen on Wozniacki, who heads an eight-player field that between them has won just four grand slam titles.

Veteran Kim Clijsters boasts three of those – the other is French Open champion Francesca Schiavone – and is the only player to have previously won the end-of-season title.

The Belgian won the crown in 2002 and 2003 when it was held in Los Angeles and looks to be Wozniacki’s biggest rival after her US Open success in September.

Clijsters has been drawn in the White Group with second seed Vera Zvonareva, who she beat in the final at Flushing Meadows, as well as Jelena Jankovic and Victoria Azarenka.

Wozniacki heads the Maroon Group that also includes Schiavone, Elena Dementieva and Australian Samantha Stosur, who is the only non-European to have qualified.

The top two in each group will qualify for the semi-finals.

Now get the WORLD’S BEST TENNIS MAGAZINE here