Caroline Wozniacki: Against Serena, My Father Told Me “Don’t Just Put The Ball Back, Because You Won’t Have A Chance”

by Tom Gainey | March 28th, 2012, 12:36 pm
  • 6 Comments

Caroline Wozniacki took her father’s words to heart last night scoring one of her biggest wins of her her young career. In the Sony Ericsson Open Miami quarterfinals, Wozniacki surprisised the 5-time tournament champion Serena Williams 64, 64.

The usually defensive Wozniacki dictated play with her backhand and even matched Serena in aces.

“For me to go out and win against her, I have lost the three previous times,” Wozniacki said. “I thought I played a very good match out there. I’m very pleased about the way I was able to also close it out.


“Serena has won so many Grand Slams and so many tournaments, something that I would love to achieve one day,” Wozniacki added. “So to beat someone like her that I know that never gives up is definitely something that means a lot to me.”

Wozniacki credited her father, Piotr, with putting together a strong gameplan which helped the Dane her first career win over Serena.

“He just said, you know, Just go for it,” Wozniacki said. “Don’t think about the score. Just, you know, if you make a mistake, doesn’t matter. But don’t just put the ball back, because you won’t have a chance. So you need to just try to make her move and play it deep.”

The much-maligned Wozniacki has never won a Grand Slam, reaching just one major final, but this win, she says, will add to her game.

“Well, it definitely gives you confidence,” she said. “Hard work always pays off, so, you know, I just keep going, keep working hard, and there’s always room for improvements. I’m just excited I can always improve my game.”

Next for Wozniacki is another great, Maria Sharapova, on Thursday in the semifinals.

“She’s a strong player,” Wozniacki said of the Russian. “I have been playing well lately and hitting the ball hard. So I need to make her move. That’s the most important thing, I think.”


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6 Comments for Caroline Wozniacki: Against Serena, My Father Told Me “Don’t Just Put The Ball Back, Because You Won’t Have A Chance”

RZ Says:

I hope Woz keeps up with her aggressive style and wins again. Then we’d be guaranteed at least one non-screamer in the final.


alison hodge Says:

i think this is what caroline needs to do if she is to win a grand slam,is to play a more aggressive style of tennis,all credit to her for not buckling under pressure when things got tight,when serana was trying to make a come back,she stood her ground,hopefully she will go on and build upon that win,and give sharapova a good test,also shame that cibulkova could not close out the match against vika,what incredible hitting and amazing footwork from someone so small,who must be devastated about the loss,as vika was there for the taking,but all credit to her for showing the mental toughness,as ll great champions have to do sometimes.


jane Says:

Sharapova just broke in the third set.

Woz’s dad was right! :)


Sean Randall Says:

Well, even though she lost Wozniacki is really playing some good tennis. If she keeps this new aggressive approach she might win a Slam after all.


Richard Says:

Wozniacki is like the turtle against the hare.

There is nothing flashy about her….but she on average is a consistently solid player…win or lose.

It seems like on average her level of game gradually increases. So I think if she just keeps building on her play, game by game, I think its just a matter of time before she wins a Grand Slam.

Even though she lost to Sharapova (by a little bit) I think her win over Serena Williams will be a big boost for her confidence. It might even be better for her psychologically then if she won the tournament without playing Serena.


gwen Says:

Good job. I really mean it. But don’t think Serena will forget. She will be back full force. Provided
no injuries. But good job.

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