37 - Caroline Wozniacki has become the third player with the most WTA-1000 quarter-finals since the format was introduced in 2009 (37), surpassing Petra Kvitova and Victoria Azarenka. Collection. #TennisParadise | @BNPPARIBASOPEN @WTA @WTA_insider
Caroline Wozniacki eased past Angelique Kerber 6-4, 6-2 to reach the Quarter-Finals of the Indian Wells Open in her first latter stage run since 2020. The former World No.1 even getting to the match was a mission with it being mooted that she was spotted in discomfort and distress walking into Tennis Paradise on Monday with husband David Lee.
But she managed to shake that off seemingly and produce a terrific display to set up a clash with Iga Swiatek next. Speaking post match, she lauded the relationship she has with her former rival who has long been a close friend and is a friendship she hopes lasts a lifetime.
"We text all the time and keep in touch. Yeah, I mean, even when I wasn't playing and she was still playing Wimbledon last year, you know, we met up. I was doing some stuff for ESPN at that point during Wimbledon and we met up for dinner and hung out," Wozniacki said.
"Yeah, I mean, we talk all the time, and I think that's a friendship that hopefully is going to last a lifetime. You know, we have known each other so many years. Obviously been competing against each other on the court but always been very good friends off the court," she added.
Kerber was one of the first people that Wozniacki told about her comeback and she described the shock they both felt that the Dane was returning.
"I think we were both surprised (smiling). But, you know, she's always just supportive of what I want to do and how I do things. I think, you know, kind of having my first child before her, you know, I think she had a lot of questions too about motherhood and stuff like that. So always happy to share what I know," Wozniacki said.
"But again, you know, everyone is different and everyone goes through everything in a different way. You know, it's just nice to see her back on tour, as well, and thriving," she added.
Next up though is Swiatek and having done some commentary on her while away from the game, Wozniacki knows what to expect and hopes to bring her A game to compete with her.
“I have obviously commentated some of her matches. I know how she's playing. Obviously she's playing good tennis, playing powerfully. I practiced with her as well a few times after I have come back, during the US Open as well. I know how she plays, but it's one thing knowing how she plays and also playing against her in a full match. I know that I have to play my best tennis to compete against her, and that's what I hope to do.”
37 - Caroline Wozniacki has become the third player with the most WTA-1000 quarter-finals since the format was introduced in 2009 (37), surpassing Petra Kvitova and Victoria Azarenka. Collection. #TennisParadise | @BNPPARIBASOPEN @WTA @WTA_insider