What’s Next For Caroline Wozniacki?

Caroline Wozniacki © Getty Images

A couple of hours ago, Caroline Wozniacki fell in the Quarterfinals of the Australian Open at the hand of defending champ, Kim Clijsters (6-3, 7-6) and will lose her No. 1 ranking. Since she became world No. 1 in October 2010 (save for the 1 week Kim Clijsters took over the spot), Caroline Wozniacki got to the Semi Finals of Australian Open and US Open in 2011, Fourth round at Wimbledon and Third round at Roland Garros. She was the first player in two years to finish at No. 1 two years in a row without winning a Grandslam title. 

She was often criticized for her inability to win a Grandslam due to various reasons ranging from her game being too safe to her overly packed schedule. There’s an element of truth to each reason, and its high time Caroline picked quality over quantity. It seems like she plays in so many tournaments to hang on to her now lost No.1 ranking. However, there is something to be said about her commitment to playing so many tournaments and remaining consistent. Caroline is used to winning by playing it safe but that game plan never works in slams because most players are aggressive and ready to play the big points. Bottomline is Wozniacki needs to add more variety to her game. I’m talking drop shots, serve and volleys, consistent aces, coming to the net and not staying 12 feet behind the baseline. She has speed and stamina but how about adding more firepower to her arsenal? That seems to have worked for many of the top players.  

Possible successors to No. 1 position are: Maria Sharapova who is on a mission and is plowing through the draw, Petra Kvitova who won Wimbledon last year and is looking good to win this tournament, and not-so-much of an underdog, Victoria Azarenka who is in top form mentally and physically.

Is this the end of the road for Caroline? We should hope not.  Unlike Dinara Safina who was also number one but never lifted a Grandslam singles title, Caroline has a lot of potential to improve. It doesn’t seem like she is retiring anytime soon so time is on her side, after all Kim Clijsters won her first slam at the age of 22. She has always been admired for her fighting spirit and with the pressure of being No. 1 off her shoulders; I see her regrouping and doing better than before.