Wozniacki defeats Peer to regain number one ranking

DUBAI - Caroline Wozniacki regained the number one ranking she lost only two weeks ago as the Dane reached the semi-finals of the Dubai Championships with a 6-2, 6-4 victory over Shahar Peer Friday.

The victory assures the 20-year-old Wozniacki of swopping places Monday with Kim Clijsters, who took over the summit of the WTA standings for the third time in her career after winning the Australian Open January 30.

“It is nice to be back at number one, it is a good feeling,” said Wozniacki.

“I gave Kim one week. Hopefully, I will have it for a few more weeks. It is just nice to be able to say you are number one, it is a good feeling to have.”

Wozniacki’s victory was her fifth from six meetings with Israeli Peer, who is competing in the emirate under heavy security with her matches all held on a well-guarded side court at the Aviation club.

Peer last year played under similar circumstances, reaching the semi-finals and losing to Venus Williams. That loss and this one spared organisers the problems of having to stage a final on a side court, with all logistic nightmares that would have meant.

“I had a good start, I was very focused going into the match and knew what I had to do. I knew the (ouside) court was going to a bit faster and was going to be a bit more open.

“I know if I am playing well that I am tough to beat. I was happy about the way I started in both sets.”

Wozniacki will face the winner from Australian fourth seed Samantha Stosur and former number one Jelena Jankovic.

The Danish winner motored through the first set and took a 4-1 lead in the second before her game began to briefly stutter. Peer, whose level suddenly lifted after a poor afternoon, fought back standing down a double break, pulling to within striking distance at 4-5.

But Wozniacki, her eye on the ranking prize, steadied enough to get the job done as she won on her first match point after 74 minutes. Peer, ranked 11th, was weighed down by 34 unforced errors in defeat.