NEW DELHI: Former world number one Caroline Wozniacki played in a Grand Slam tournament for the first time in more than three years on Monday. She beat Russian amateur Tatiana Prozorova 6-3, 6-2, to move on to the second round at the US Open.
Wozniacki is playing in her third event since coming back to the tour after retiring in 2020 to start a family. The 19-year-old Prozorova, however, was no match for the Dane's many years of experience.
"It feels amazing to be back," said Wozniacki. "Obviously I was very nervous coming out here, I haven't been here since 2019 and a lot has happened since then.
"It just feels amazing to have the chance out here on this big court, playing a night session and getting a win under my belt. It feels so special."
Both players surrendered serve early in the match before the 33-year-old Wozniacki stepped up the pressure from 3-3, breaking her opponent twice more on the back of some relentless returns to win the opening set.
Wozniacki shifted up another gear following a delayed start to the next set due to Prozorova's medical timeout, as the Dane sealed a crucial point after a 30-shot rally en route to grabbing a 3-1 lead.
The former Australian Open champion wobbled on serve at 5-1 but broke Prozorova immediately afterwards to close out the win and set up a meeting with 11th seed Petra Kvitova.
(With inputs from Reuters)
