[12] Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) vs. [47] Jelena Ostapenko (LAT)
Four encounters and four victories for the Latvian teenager; yet, there was hope that given the magnitude of the occasion, Wozniacki would finally turn the tables on her young opponent. It seemed that she had the momentum after winning the first set, but the rain came and changed the dynamics of the match. Surprisingly it was the less experienced player who handled the stops and starts better. This was an opportunity for Wozniacki to win her first Major given the lack of a clear favorite; however, the burden of expectation was too much for her to handle.
Wozniacki was once ranked number one and of the eight remaining players, she was one of three to make it to the final of a Major. In fact she has made it to the final of a Major twice and was the only Major finalist in her half of the draw; thus, it was not unrealistic to think that her probability of getting to the final was very high. However, clay demands confidence; confidence to patiently work the point and take chances when the opportunity presents. Despite winning the first set, Wozniacki remained tentative.
Unfortunately against a young and enthusiastic opponent, who was hitting the felt off the ball, Wozniacki’s lack of aggression would cost her. With each winner that flew by, Wozniacki lost more confidence and retreated farther behind the baseline, giving her opponent an open court to hit winner after winner. Ostapenko won 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 to claim another first. This was her first Major quarterfinal and now it’s her first Major semifinal. Will she get another first on Thursday, her first Major final? She will have to get by the in-form clay court specialist, Timea Bacsinszky.
SOURCE OF IMAGE: AFP/Gabriel Bouys
