Winning Wozniacki

Caroline Wozniacki is at the top of women's tennis. While some have criticized her for her inability to win a Grand Slam, they have failed to focus on the things that she does well. Wozniacki hits the ball hard, she hits it deep, and she does not make mistakes. She is consistent and she knows her game. She plays a winning game, a great game, and a game that is exciting to watch if you stop criticizing and start appreciating her talent.

On Sunday night she took her game to Jelena Jankovic - winning the match and a spot in the quarterfinals by a score of 6-0, 7-5. She didn't just win this match, she dominated the first set. After a few hiccups in the second set she proved why she is a deserving number one. No one can ignore her passion for the game. Nor can they disregard her desire to win that elusive Grand Slam title. This is her year.

The Australian Open provides the perfect platform for Wozniacki to win this first slam. She made the semi-finals in 2011, is playing a strong game and has a supportive team, complete with new coach, on her side. She is hitting the ball with more passion and more drive than ever before and has made it so far without dropping a set. Has she had some tough moments? Yes. Has she proven that she has the fighting spirit to win this tournament? No doubt. As long as Wozniacki can maintain her current form and keep fighting like a champion she will be hoisting the 2012 Australian Open trophy next Sunday and finally silencing her critics. 

Australian Open 2012

The Australian Open has been causing me sleep deprivation all week. Don't get me wrong, I love this tournament. It is my favorite Grand Slam and some day I will make it to Australia to see it. I just can't seem to turn off the TV and go to sleep when there are still matches going on. I'm hooked! Even when I finally convince myself to turn off the TV at midnight California time, I still lay awake wondering about the scores and who will win the match.


I tend to get overly involved in the players successes and failures. Rooting for my favorites to win, come on Federer, number 17 please! Caroline Wozniacki, now is your chance to win your first Grand Slam! I just can't seem to shake the feeling that if I am watching and cheering my favorite players on that they will win the tournament. I know it's just my own hopes, but I think that someday soon Wozniacki will show the world why she has been number one for so long and I see no reason why it can't be at this Australian Open.

I'm a huge tennis fan and I love playing at my local tennis club as well as watching the pros play. I get caught up in the spirit of the matches, the intensity of the players, the shifts in momentum. It all adds up to a recipe for hours of entertainment and this 2012 Australian Open has not ceased to provide drama, upsets and triumphs yet. I've been hooked since day one and I will just have to accept the fact that for one more week I will have to become comfortable with surviving on little sleep. 

Inspiration

What inspires you to rise to new heights? What drives you to achieve more? For me, I get inspiration from others that have gone before me. Professional athletes drive me to push myself more in the gym, they show me that I can always train and practice to get better at anything I do. Even at such a high level athletes are always training to improve and this inspires me to reach for more.

I may never become a professional athlete, but I can certainly train like one. I have recently begun playing tennis again so I have realized my need for inspiration. In this instance my inspiration comes from professional players like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Caroline Wozniacki. When I see their fire, their relentless drive to achieve more and to be the best they can be, I can't help but feel inspired.