Melbourne: Caroline Wozniacki was eliminated from the Australian Open on Wednesday by Russian qualifier Maria Timofeeva, who defeated her 6-1, 4-6, 1-6 in the second round.
The 2018 winner, who returned to the circuit with her two young children, rocketed out of the gate on John Cain Arena but was unable to maintain her speed.
“I’m speechless right now,” Timofeeva added. “It was an honor for me to play here against Caroline. “I went into the match with no expectations, just to demonstrate what I’m capable of, and I enjoyed every minute of it.”
The 33-year-old Dane broke twice in a one-sided opening set and appeared to be on her way to a simple victory when she broke right away in the second set.
However, Timofeeva responded to equalize the game at 2-2.
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The Russian 20-year-old, who demonstrated tremendous power, served for the set in the ninth game but missed to cross the line.
But she carved out two set points on Wozniacki’s serve in the next game and made no mistake, tying the match.
Timofeeva, competing in her debut Grand Slam, blasted 18 winners to Wozniacki’s five in a set that lasted just over an hour.
The two traded breaks at the start of the fourth set, but Wozniacki was in grave trouble when she fell behind 3-1, trying to keep up with her opponent’s better firepower.
