Wozniacki credits boxing after victory
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The Associated Press - Published: August 26, 2009
NEW HAVEN, Conn. — Defending champion Caroline Wozniacki took 43 minutes to win her first-round match at the Pilot Pen on Tuesday, then credited boxing with helping her score the quick knockout.
The second-seeded Wozniacki dominated Edina Gallovits of Romania 6-0, 6-0, winning 20 of the final 21 points in a 19-minute first set before taking 24 minutes to finish Gallovits off.
The Danish star, who is ranked No. 9 in the world, said her speed and fitness level began improving just after Wimbledon, when friend and super middleweight champion Mikkel Kessler suggested she take up boxing.
"You run a lot," she said. "You get strength in your stomach, your back, your shoulders, your arms, all the things that you also need in tennis."
While Wozniacki barley worked up a sweat, Samantha Stosur needed almost 3 hours to beat Frenchwoman Alize Cornet in 90-degree heat. The Australian ended up losing the first set after nearly 90 minutes, but won the match 6-7 (8), 6-2, 6-4.
Amelie Mauresmo also advanced with a 6-1, 6-1 win over Alona Bondarenko; Marion Bartoli defeated Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez 4-6, 6-3, 6-1; and third-seeded Flavia Pennetta defeated Ioana Raluca Olaru of Romania 6-1, 6-2.
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