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I’ve the Talent to Win Grand Slam: Wozniacki

DUBAI — She may have become a role model in Denmark with her exploits in tennis, but Caroline Wozniacki doesn’t shy away from admitting that she too is a fan of a Spanish heartthrob. “I am a big Fernando Torres fan. And yes, I like Liverpool as well,” Wozniacki, the top seed here in the Dubai Tennis Championships, revealed on Sunday.

The 20-year-old is clearly enjoying the perks that come with being a top athlete. “Yeah, I am enjoying every moment of it, you know. The other day, I wanted to see the Liverpool-Arsenal game and it was sold-out. Still, I managed to get a ticket. So things like that I am enjoying, you know.”

On the more serious note, the Dane knows her ride could become bumpy. “See, this is the first time in my career that I have been seeded one. So there is going to be pressure and expectations. I have to learn how to live with it. That’s what you need to do when you become a top player,” the world number three added.

Wozniacki showed her potential at the US open in 2009 when she reached the final against all odds. Such was her form that only an inspired Kim Clijsters could tame her.

“I do think I can win a Grand Slam one day. I really believe that I have the talent to do that. Yeah, I would also like to become the number one player in the world. That would also be pretty special.

“But given a chance, I would say winning a Grand Slam is much more important that becoming the number one. If I become number one and don’t win a Grand Slam, I would be really disappointed. Grand Slams, you know, are the biggest tournaments in the world. Ask every player, they will all say that it’s the Grand Slams that matter. Hopefully I can win one one day.”

Not many know that the rising star of tennis also has a penchant for boxing. “It may sound strange, but it’s true that I do enter the ring, put the gloves on and practise. Why do I do that? Because I really love the sport. It has helped me in my tennis as well. It makes your back, shoulder stronger. You also become faster. That’s the reason I do lot of boxing. I mean I don’t fight on the court when I play tennis, but I bring the same attitude.”

The Dane then talked about her experiences of playing in an exhibition match with an all-time great in men’s tennis. “I just enjoyed playing with Stefan Edberg. Even now he is so good, you know. He plays well on the net, from the baseline. It’s unbelievable. And he is a very nice person.”