Caroline Wozniacki beats China’s Wang Qiang to reach Hong Kong Open semis, seeking a second Asian title in a ‘difficult’ season
Former world number one missed much of the year with injury and she is happy to have recovered her fitness
Former world number one Caroline Wozniacki is now just two matches away from claiming a second title on the Asia swing of what she described as “the most difficult season of her career”, while reigning world number one Angelique Kerber was stunned in the quarter-finals of the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open on Friday.
Wozniacki was forced to dig deep to secure her spot in the semi-finals overcoming the challenge of China’s Wang Qiang 6-3, 7-5 in an entertaining match, which brought out the battling qualities in the fiery Dane.
The fifth seed needed just under 90 minutes to secure the win and set up a last four clash against defending champion Jelena Jankovic who came back from one set behind to defeat France’s Alize Cornet 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 in the late session.
Wozniacki acknowledged that she had struggled this term after missing a large part of the campaign through injury.
“It’s definitely been one of the most difficult years of my career,” said the 26-year-old. “I’ve been sidelined for so long and I definitely think that that’s been difficult mentally. But ever since I’ve got my body back on track, I’ve been playing well so that’s a positive.”