HEAD TO HEAD
Caroline Wozniacki is women’s tennis world number one. Although the Danish star is still only 20 years old, she has already won 15 WTA singles titles since turning professional aged 15, and prize money of over $9 million. However, even as world number one there is another step Wozniacki is striving to take – to win a grand slam. She spoke exclusively to Robin Barwick for ActivInstinct
At the age of 20 you are already world number one. What ambitions are you working towards now?
It would be nice to keep the number one ranking for as long as I can, and also to win a Grand Slam.
What do you identify as the strengths of your game?
I can outlast and outrun everybody on any given day. I also feel that people have to play well to beat me because I don’t give too many easy points, and that gives me confidence for every match I play.
The French Open is the next Grand Slam of the year. How will you adjust your game for the clay courts of Roland Garros?
I don’t think my game needs a whole lot of adjusting for the French Open. I have already started my clay court season, which got off to a great start when I won the Family Circle Cup in Charleston at the beginning of April. I played aggressively and everything worked out for me. I beat some good players that week so I was very satisfied, and the win gives me confidence that I can continue to do well on clay courts.
22
www.activinstinct.com
Before the French Open, I’ll play a few more clay-court events; get as many matches in as possible and then I should be fine. I reached the quarterfinals last year and I am very excited about trying to do even better this year.
All tournament victories are fantastic achievements, and you have 15 at the time of writing, but do one or two stand out as particularly significant to you?
Winning on the WTA in Beijing (2010) and in Indian Wells (2011) are really big accomplishments for me. They are the biggest victories of my career. However, I cherish my Copenhagen win (2010) the most probably, since it was in my hometown in front of a home crowd. The support I received was fantastic and I will never forget that.
You won at Eastbourne in 2009. What sticks in your mind from that week?
I loved playing the event - it’s such a nice facility and the atmosphere was great. I always like playing on grass; I actually consider it my best surface, so to be able to win there was special.
It must seem a long time ago now, but what memories do you savour from winning Junior Wimbledon in 2006?
Until two years ago, I actually considered winning Junior Wimbledon my biggest accomplishment. I’m really proud to have won that prestigious title. Wimbledon is a sacred place for all tennis players and everyone’s dream is to win there.
What kind of fitness training do you do?
I do a lot of cross training, I run, swim, stretch, do yoga, jump rope, etc. I like to mix it up so it doesn’t get boring, but I always make sure I keep my fitness because it’s a crucial part of my game.
Who have been your role models in tennis and why?
I idolised Steffi Graf because of her on-court demeanor. She is a superb athlete, a wonderful person.
Looking ahead to 2012, how do you feel about the prospect of playing Olympic tennis at Wimbledon?
To represent my country during the Olympics will be an honor for me. I’m really excited to be able to play in London.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46