Wozniacki serves up statement of intent

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 11:36

Caroline Wozniacki wowed the Centre Court crowd with a dominant performance against Maria Kirilenko, ousting the Russian 6-0 6-4 in little over an hour.

The Danish 18-year-old, touted by many as a future world No.1, made a shaky start to the Championships with a three-set victory over Kimiko Date Krumm, but there was little doubt that the No.9 seed was set to progress to the third round after racing away with the first set.

The first set ran away from Kirilenko, who had only managed two games in their only previous encounter, and thoughts turned to the ominous thought of a show-court double-bagel.

“I enjoy coming back here every year – and so far, so good”

But the world No.59 was a different animal in the second set, and even though she again dropped serve to take Wozniacki’s run to nine straight matches the crowd were being treated to a fine contest.

The Russian made the extra effort – and volume on her grunts – count, winning four of the next five games to level the set at 4-4. But when it mattered, Wozniacki produced the form that lead her to the Eastbourne title ahead of Wimbledon, breaking in game ten to seal the match.

The Dane now faces Anabel Medina Garrigues, who beat Tathiana Garbin 7-6(5) 6-3, and will be looking to exact some revenge for the solitary defeat suffered at the hands of the Spaniard at last year at the Beijing Olympics.

“It’s been a busy day, but it’s been a good day,” said the 18-year-old after later winning her opening doubles match with Sorana Cirstea 6-4 2-6 6-2 against No.5 seeds Shuai Peng and Su-Wei Hsieh. “It’s been a busy day, but it’s been a good day.”

“I’ve always felt good on grass,” she added. “That’s always been one of my favorite surfaces. I enjoy coming back here every year – and so far, so good.”

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