Caroline
Wozniacki defeated
Petra Kvitova in the second round of the
US Open by 7-5, 7-6(5) and sets up
a match with
Jennifer Brady.
In the 15th
encounter between Kvitova and Wozniacki, the players entered with a H2H record
of 8-6 in favor of the Czech. Their last meeting came almost five years prior
at the 2018 WTA Finals, with the Dane emerging victorious.
Kvitova
advanced to the second round by defeating Cristina Bucsa 6-1, 7-6(5) in the
opening round. On the other hand, the former world No. 1 once again
demonstrated her good form by overcoming young Russian Tatiana Prozorova with a
score of 6-3, 6-2.
In a
lengthy and intense first set lasting one hour and 3 minutes, Kvitova struck
first by converting her third break point opportunity in the opening game.
Wozniacki reacted swiftly, capitalizing on her third break chance in the
following game to level the match.
The Czech
gained a 4-2 advantage, but Wozniacki rallied to win five of the next six
games, ultimately taking the set 7-5 on her second set point.
Wozniacki
took the initiative in the second set, reducing her unforced errors and being
the first to secure a break in the sixth game. Kvitova responded by breaking
back and then successfully defending her serve to level the set at 5-5, saving
two match points.
Both
players held their serve until the tie-break, but once again Wozniacki managed
the pressure better. The Danish player's tenacity in defense forced her
opponent to make several unforced errors, including a double fault, securing
the victory for the former world No. 1 by 7-5, 7-6(5).
In the
third round, Wozniacki will face another player making a comeback to the Grand
Slam stage. Jennifer Brady hadn’t participated in a Grand Slam since 2021 French
Open, having been away for two years due to injury.
She has now reached the
third round after victories over lucky loser Kimberly Birrell and the 24th seed
Magda Linette.
