MELBOURNE: Caroline Wozniacki admitted she was at a loss to explain how she managed to stay in the tournament after a stunning 3-6, 6-2, 7-5 victory over Jana Fett.
The second seed was expected to brush aside the challenge of the world No. 119. But 5-1 down in the third and final set Wozniacki faced two match points. The Dane decided she had to attack, saved the match points and rallied to a memorable victory.
And afterwards she said she was in total shock.
“That was crazy, I don’t know how I got back into the match,” a very relieved Wozniacki said.
“I’m very proud of the way I came back. It was definitely very difficult. Definitely wasn’t my best match, especially in the beginning.
“All of a sudden seeing myself down, almost out of the tournament, I started playing better and started really playing the tennis that I wanted to play.”
The Dane is yet to break her Grand Slam duck, having been as high as No. 1 in the rankings. However, last year saw a welcome return to form and with her half of the draw already witnessing some shock early exits, this could be Wozniacki’s year.
On Monday fifth seed Venus Williams, 10th seed CoCo. Vandeweghe and 13th seed and reigning US Open champion Sloane Stephens all made early exits, meaning the bottom half of the draw is now wide open.
“She really took her shots, she had nothing to lose,” said Wozniacki
But when in sight of by far the biggest win of her career, the world 119’s nerves got the better of her as Wozniacki reeled off 10 points in a row to spark a winning run of six unanswered games.
“Experience was crucial,” the 27-year-old said. “I think she suddenly realized at 5-1 what was happening and I just had to attack and take advantage of it.”
Caroline Wozniacki hails 'crazy' Australian Open win
Caroline Wozniacki hails 'crazy' Australian Open win
Australia, Ireland out of T20 World Cup as Zimbabwe qualify after washout
- Zimbabwe will move on to face the West Indies, India and South Africa in the next phase
- Zimbabwe captain Skiander Raza hails side’s achievement, but warns of tougher battles
KANDY, Sri Lanka: The 2021 champions Australia were knocked out of the T20 World Cup on Tuesday, with Zimbabwe qualifying for the Super Eights after their match against Ireland was washed out without a ball being bowled in Kandy.
Zimbabwe joined Sri Lanka as qualifiers from Group B and will move on to face the West Indies, India and South Africa in the next phase. Ireland were also eliminated.
Persistent drizzle all day at the Pallekelle stadium kept the covers on and the umpires finally called it off at 5:30 p.m. local time (1200 GMT) with no prospect of beginning the minimum five-over match before the 6:10 p.m. cut-off time.
Australia, who had been beaten by Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, needed an Ireland victory to keep their hopes alive.
Zimbabwe are now on an unassailable five points with a game to still to come, while Ireland are third on three points.
Australia, on two points, have one game remaining against Oman on Friday, but cannot overtake Zimbabwe.
Australia had a shambolic build-up to the tournament
They lost leading pace bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood to injury, while captain Mitchell Marsh missed the first two games after being hit in the groin in training and suffering testicular bleeding
Test great Steve Smith was left out despite being in terrific form top of the order in the Big Bash League and his expertise in playing against spin bowling.
COLOURFUL FANS
He flew in as cover last week and was formally added to the Australia squad at the weekend.
But then he was left out for the must-win game against Sri Lanka on Monday which saw an Australia middle-order collapse as they lost by eight wickets.
Zimbabwe captain Skiander Raza hailed his side’s achievement in reaching the last eight, but warned there were tougher battles to come.
“We have come this far. We will celebrate but we have a game against Sri Lanka to come,” said Raza.
“This is only a tick in the box and this is not the only thing that we set out for. Everyone loves an underdog story.”
Ireland skipper Lorcan Tucker was downcast after his side did not get to play.
“Obviously very disappointed to go out in this fashion, but completely uncontrollable,” said Tucker.
“Our batting failed. There were big moments in the tournament particularly against Sri Lanka when we dropped so many catches.
“Hopefully, we will handle these tough situations differently moving forward.”
The rain did not dampen the spirits of a hearty and colorful band of about two dozen Zimbabwe fans, who danced and sang throughout the damp afternoon to serenade their team’s qualification.
“I can tell you, whichever corner they’re sitting at, at any ground, they’ll be the loudest, and they have the songs,” said Raza of the fans.
“They just keep the vibe. They keep lifting us up when their energies are down — and in this weather, it can be sometimes.
“But when we hear them to push us on and we know the songs as well, it gives us that energy as well.”
