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Women’s world number one Caroline Wozniacki fought back from a set and 4-1 down to defeat Svetlana Kuznetsova and reach the last eight in the US Open, and will now face Andrea Petkovic.
Wozniacki, who is still searching for a Grand Slam title to support her top ranking, saw off the tiring 2004 champion Kuznetsova 6-7 (6/8), 7-5, 6-1 but it was a huge struggle for the 21-year-old and took a gruelling 3hr 2min, raising concerns for her chances in the quarter finals.
She surrendered a 5-2 lead in the first set tie-break and then slipped 1-4 down in the second set before 15th-seeded Kuznetsova's game fell to pieces.
"I knew I could come back so I just stepped into the lines and went for my shots” Wozniacki said, “I am in good shape. I can play for five hours if I have to. I wanted to keep the rallies going."
Petkovic has already beaten Wozniacki once in a hard-court tournament this season and although the German’s victory over the world number one in Miami was unexpected, a second triumph would not be such a shock. If Petkovic was to gain the advantage Kuznetsova had against Wozniacki, it is unlikely she would give in so easily. Wozniacki remains the favourite for the title, but Petkovic is gaining support.
Serena Williams is also through to the quarter finals, having beaten Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. Williams is yet to drop a set, and Pavlyuchenkova is no stronger than Williams’ earlier opponents. Williams ranking at 28 as she came into the tournament looks like becoming history.
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