Wozniacki and Dementieva secure Doha spots
Originally published on: 26/02/10 11:44
If it’s any consolation for Caroline Wozniacki, her run to the US Open final has guaranteed her a spot at the Sony Ericsson Championships, along with Dinara Safina, Serena Williams and fellow new qualifier Elena Dementieva.
The 19-year-old, who is now ranked a career-high No.6 in the world, was the first Danish player to reach the semi-finals of a grand slam before raising the bar one notch higher by reaching Sunday’s final, where she ran into an inspired Kim Clijsters.
And that benchmark, along with her three tournament wins to date this season, has ensured Wozniacki of a spot at the lucrative season-ending Championships in Doha, which is only open to the year’s eight top-ranked players from the WTA’s ‘Race to the Championships’.
“I always believed that I could be one of the best players in the world” – Wozniacki
2009 has been a dream season for me, highlighted by reaching the US Open final definitely one of the best moments in my tennis career so far,” said Wozniacki on learning the news. I always believed that I could be one of the best players in the world, I just didnt think that it would happen so soon.
“I am very excited about qualifying for the Sony Ericsson Championships and cant wait to get to Doha and have an opportunity to play on one of the biggest stages in womens tennis.
Olympic Champion Elena Dementieva is, like Wozniacki, guaranteed of a top-eight finish after winning the US Open Series prior to the year’s last major, where she fell victim to Melanie Oudin in the second round.
Qualifying for the Sony Ericsson Championships is a great accomplishment for me as its a goal I set for myself at the beginning of every season,” said the world No.5. Heading to the Sony Ericsson Championships for the ninth time in my career is thrilling and I look forward to competing in what is always a great event.
Four places remain among the elite field for the season finale, with $4.45 million on offer at the Khalifa Stadium in Doha, Qatar between October 27 and November 1.
Defending champion Venus Williams is firmly in contention to return to the Emirate, as are Svetlana Kuznetsova, Victoria Azarenka and Vera Zvonareva, with Flavia Pennetta and Jelena Jankovic still in the hunt.
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