Court conditions halt thrilling Wozniacki - Svitolina clash in Bad Homburg

A tense encounter between Caroline Wozniacki (No. 122) and Elina Svitolina (No. 21) was interrupted by rain in the middle of the first round of the Bad Homburg Open. The former world No. 1 took the first set but couldn't manage a tight tiebreak in the second set.

At the start of the third set, Wozniacki showed some physical discomfort in the second game after a fall. Shortly after, the former Australian Open champion complained to the umpire about the condition of the court due to slipping several times, leading to the match being suspended with the third set in Svitolina's favor at 2-1.

The Ukrainian leads the head-to-head 5-1, with their last encounter at the WTA ASB Classic, where Svitolina emerged victorious. The first set began with irregularities from both players' serves, as they were playing their first match of the grass swing. The first four games saw two breaks for each player. Svitolina won only 40% of her service points, while Wozniacki fared slightly better at 52% throughout the set.

Once both managed to hold their service games, everything seemed even again. However, Svitolina failed for the third time on her serve in the 8th game, allowing Wozniacki to take a decisive lead and eventually win the set 6-3.

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In the second set, Svitolina seemed to regain form by holding her initial service games. The Ukrainian won 82% of her points on the first serve and notched up 5 aces. She also capitalized on her opportunities while returning, especially when Wozniacki served second serves, quickly taking a 4-1 lead.

Wozniacki recovered the break in the 7th game and later pushed the set to a tiebreak. Svitolina took advantage with a couple of backhand winners on Wozniacki's second serves, eventually clinching the set on her first set point at 7-6(4).

The start of the third set seemed poised for a fierce finish. Unfortunately, the former world No. 1 suffered a fall and requested medical assistance during the second game. After leaving the court and returning, she continued playing for a few more minutes but complained that the court was too slippery. The umpire went down to touch the grass, ultimately deciding to suspend the match until tomorrow. Svitolina currently leads 3-6, 7-6(4), 2-1.

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