2011 Dubai Duty Free Championships: Caroline Wozniacki vs Jelena Jankovic – Preview
World number one Caroline Wozniacki will take on former world number one Jelena Jankovic in the semifinal match at the Dubai Duty Free 2011, a WTA event held annually in Dubai.
The Dane has been in extremely good form since the start of this competition. She defeated plucky Shahar Peer of Israel 6-2, 6-4 earlier in the quarterfinal to reclaim her place on top of the world. The contest was organized on
an outside court to increase Peer’s safety after various controversial incidents took place in previous editions of this tournament. Wozniacki was dominant in the match, converting the breakpoints whenever she was presented with a chance. With her win against
Peer she is also back on top of the Women Tennis Association official rankings.
“Of course it’s nice to be back at number one,” Wozniacki said. “You know, it’s a good feeling. Yeah, I gave Kim one week. Hopefully now I’ll have it for a few more weeks.”
The Serbian star, Jelena Jankovic has made a strong comeback to the international arena after a year troubled with injuries and fitness related problems. She is looking in much better shape and health ahead of her semifinal match
against the World number one. Jelena pulled off a stunning victory in the second round after being in a losing position. In her clash against the World number five Samantha Stosur she was equally good. Despite trailing by 3-0 in the decider she staged a phenomenal
comeback to reach semifinals.
"I was tired and felt I had no gas in the tank, but with a positive attitude I just kept going," Jankovic said. "I was able to break her - it's so tough to break her - and came out as the winner. I'm really happy with my performance
overall. There were a lot of ups and downs, but getting the win is the most important."
Jankovic leads the Dane 4-0 on the head-to-head terms. In their clash at the Indian Wells final last year, Jelena defeated Caroline in straight sets 6-2, 6-4. However, Caroline has improved her game significantly over the last
year and has a better serve and backhand which would be her main weapons against her opponent. She has proved that she can be aggressive as well as being consistent. Jelena on the other hand would be exhausted after her two tight wins in the tournament and
her fitness will certainly play its part in deciding the outcome of the match.
Prediction: Victory for Caroline Wozniacki in three closely contested sets.
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