A highly anticipated clash between mothers at the 2024 Bad Homburg Open was won by Caroline Wozniacki, who played her best match in a long time.
Elina Svitolina and the former world no. 1 from Denmark are both mothers. Both were great players before motherhood and managed to achieve similar results after motherhood, which shows other players on the WTA Tour that it can be done.
They played earlier this year, ahead of the Australian Open, and the Ukrainian won that match. However, this time around, it was Wozniacki who was better than her opponent despite facing many obstacles.
The Dane played her best match in a long time, striking the ball really nicely and hitting the corners. It was much needed because she endured some rough weeks on the Tour.
Svitolina had a good start, taking an early break, but then she gave it right back. Both struggled to hold serve at the start as they traded a few breaks. Eventually they settled but Wozniacki was just better getting another break late in the match to take a 5-3 lead and then holding to win the opening set 6-3.
The second set opened nicely for Wozniacki, who had early break points but failed to use them. Svitolina was playing quite aggressively, wanting to take points, but Wozniacki loves such conditions.
The Ukrainian found a solid rhythm after that, taking a 4-1 lead. However, she took a medical time-out due to a blister, which proved counterproductive as she completely lost her momentum after returning.
Wozniacki broke back, and fans in Bad Homburg saw a competitive battle, ending in a close tie-break, which Svitolina won 7-4. The final set opened with a quick game for Wozniacki, but then, at 30-30 in the second game, the Dane slipped badly and immediately required medical attention.
She took an off-court medical timeout, and she was able to continue playing. Still, Svitolina took a 3-1 lead when play was suspended due to the darkness, and when they returned the next day, the Danish player turned the match around.
She went from 1-3 to 5-3, but then Svitolina saved herself by breaking back. In the end, Wozniacki was still able to win the match, 6-3, 6-7(4), 7-5 to reach the second round of the 2024 Bad Homburg Open.