Caroline Wozniacki’s stunning US Open comeback story continued as she beat Jennifer Brady 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 at Arthur Ashe Stadium and revealed, Her good friend Serena Williams cheered her on every step of the way.
Wozniacki shocked the tennis world a few weeks ago by announcing she was making a comeback, and confirmed she was still one of the top forces in the game by reaching the fourth round in New York.
Serena was pregnant when she hosted her own farewell tennis party at last year’s U.S. Open, but this year she seems to have the support of her legendary pal.
“I talk to her all the time,” Wozniacki said of Williams, who is also pregnant.
“She’s obviously busy right now too, but we’ve been chatting. She watched my game today.
“Things are a lot different than they were this time last year when I was pregnant. Last September I was eight months pregnant. I’m just here to support my friends. Obviously I work at ESPN. I do a lot of commentary and research.
“I really wanted to support her in her last game. That was something very special.
“I wasn’t really thinking about my comeback at the time. I was thinking about what to do with two kids.
“After James was born and I came on the court, I suddenly said, OK, let’s give it a try, this is really cool. “Now that we’re here, it’s pretty special. “
Wozniacki went on to say he wasn’t entirely surprised by her stellar performance in her Grand Slam comeback as she hinted he was ready for more wins at the US Open.
“I think I’ve always had confidence in myself,” Wozniacki continued.
“It’s going to take a little time to get back into playing rhythm. I feel like I’m in good rhythm. I’m working hard on fitness to get back into good shape.
“Knowing what I’ve been through throughout my career, I know where I’m at.
“Would I be surprised if I lost in the first round? No. Would I be surprised if I went on to win? No. If I play my best tennis, I know I will be difficult to beat. Someone really needs to play well.
“As a competitor and athlete you always want to win and you have to believe in yourself, but to play with Arthur Ashe again is a dream come true.
“Three years ago, when I retired and had two kids, I thought I would be here watching. What an honor.”
Former British world number one Tim Henman was full of praise for Wozniacki, whom he credited with helping her recover from a first-set loss.
“There was no panic,” Henman said. “Wozniacki knew she wasn’t playing her best, but she slowly started to gain momentum.
“She persevered and kept going in the third set.
“The intensity was there and she didn’t give Brady anything and just ran away with it. “It was her third game back and it was very impressive. “
read more: How Caroline Wozniacki overcame huge obstacles to get back to the top