Caroline Wozniacki knocks out Madison Keys to reach quarters

Caroline Wozniacki Uncovered | Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2015

This is a different Caroline Wozniacki than the one who was first embraced by the New York crowds almost a decade ago. Shes been through highs and lows, victories and injuries. And now that she has returned to the spotlight, she is seeing it all from a different perspective.

I think my motivator is clearly winning tournaments. Its winning big matches. Its being out there on Arthur Ashe Stadium and playing in front of a big crowd, Wozniacki said after her dominant 6-3, 6-4 win over American Madison Keys on Sunday afternoon at Ashe, sending the two-time U.S. Open runner-up to the quarterfinals to take on recently un-retired Latvian, Anastasija Sevastova.

I just think I get to kind of reflect and enjoy these moments more, because Im like, You know what? You never know, Wozniacki said. Could be injured tomorrow and I may not be able to play out here again. I mean, I know thats very negative thinking, but at this point Im just gonna have fun with it.

Wozniacki, 26, was speaking from experience. The 5-foot-10 blonde Dane has dealt with an ankle injury that kept her out of the French Open this year. Then she had to retire mid-match in June in Washington, D.C., with an arm injury. In that span, she had fallen to No. 74 in the rankings coming into this tournament, seemingly a long way off from 2010 and 2011, both years having finished atop the rankings.But those rankings are just numbers to Wozniacki, not something that is going to affect her confidence.

I know it sounds bad, but honestly, at this point Im like, I really dont care what my ranking is, Wozniacki said. The main thing is that when Im on court I have to believe in myself. Thats what I care about, that I know that I can do it.

Madison Keys returns a shot during her round of 16 match against Caroline Wozniacki on Sunday.Photo: Anthony J. Causi

I know I can beat anyone. I think it just sucks for some of the other players who have to play me early.

That is surely true for Keys, who was the last American still alive in either singles draw who is not Serena or Venus Williams. But the 21-year-old from Illinois who came in as the No. 8 seed was overwhelmed by the big stage the exact opposite of Wozniacki.

I think it was nerves a little bit, Keys said. I definitely felt like I got off to a bad start, and then I felt like I was trying to catch up from there.

Keys has a big serve, but Wozniacki was able to show a renewed mobility, and her defense was outstanding for the whole of the match.

Shes an amazing mover, Keys said. She gets a million b***s back.

There are familiar foes still in front of Wozniacki, most notably Serena Williams, who ousted Wozniacki in the 2014 final and the 2011 semifinal. Williams has been rolling through this tournament as she tries to break Steffi Grafs career record of 22 Grand Slams. Yet Williams and Wozniacki wouldnt meet until the final.

Before then, Wozniacki is trying to focus on the moments, and enjoy them all.

Before it was all about, Okay, I have to win this; I have to do that. Now Im like, I dont have to do anything, Wozniacki said. You know, whatever is meant to be its going to be, and Im just going to give myself the best shot out there. Im going to work hard and give my best shot every time out on court.

And I think Im enjoying the whole atmosphere and everything else so much more.

Source: http://nypost.com/2016/09/04/caroline-wozniacki-knocks-out-madison-keys-to-reach-quarters/