Woz to finish 2011 on top

Ben Hamilton

October 25, 2011 - 15:48

Sharapova withdrawal ensures Caroline will end year as number one

A win in Istanbul would keep Wozniacki atop the world rankings and help her salvage a season that has been something of a disappointment (Photo: Scanpix)

This story was updated on Thursday, October 27

In the end it didn’t take long. Just two days and six matches into the ongoing WTA Championships in Istanbul, Danish tennis player Caroline Wozniacki has done enough to finish 2011 as the world number one.

She didn’t even win last night – losing in three sets to Russia’s Vera Zvonareva, but by that time the withdrawal of her closest rival Maria Sharapova (also of Russia) had already confirmed her year-end status. Sharapova cited an injury after losing her second match in two days.

Wozniacki, who beat Poland’s Agnieszka Radwanska on Tuesday, today faces Czech player Petra Kvitova, the current tournament favourite, with a place in the semi-finals on Saturday at stake. Should she lose in three sets, she might still have a chance of qualifying, but that will depend on the results of the other matches.

Wozniacki will feel disappointed with her performance against Zvonareva. She hit only 13 winners compared to Zvonareva’s 49, and capitulated at 40-0 up whilst serving in a crucial game in the decider to hand Zvonareva the match on a plate.