Top-seeded Caroline Wozniacki turns ankle, retires in Family Circle semifinal

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Wozniacki injures ankle, retires at Charleston

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Top-seeded Caroline Wozniacki retired from her semifinal match against Vera Zvonareva at the Family Circle Cup on Saturday after injuring her right ankle.

The Danish player was trailing 2-4 in the first set when she slid for a drop shot and her foot caught on the clay surface. The No. 2 player was assisted to her chair and got her ankle taped.

To cheers from the crowd, Wozniacki returned to the court at Daniel Island. But after Zvonareva held to go up 5-2, Wozniacki double-faulted at 15-15 and retired. Wozniacki was looking for her second straight tournament win, after a victory last week at Ponte Verde Beach, Fla.

Zvonareva meets the winner of the other semifinal between Daniela Hantuchova and Samantha Stosur in the final Sunday.

Wozniacki, who was limping and had her ankle taped as she met with reporters, said she will have an MRI on Sunday. She said while trying to run down the ball, she heard a snap and felt pain.

“I was surprised that I could stand on my leg, which was very positive, actually,” she said. “But as soon as I was moving to the sides, it was impossible, so I couldn’t play.”

Wozniacki suffered a similar injury to her left ankle at Amelia Island two years ago that kept her away from tennis about three weeks. She was asked if she will play the French Open, which starts the last week of May.

“Well, I certainly hope so. As it looks right now, it’s not too bad,” she said.

Zvonareva missed the clay court season last year after injuring her right ankle in a Family Circle Cup match.

“It’s great to be in the finals, but it’s not great to be in the finals this way,” said Zvonareva, ranked 22nd. “I don’t wish anyone to be in that situation because last year it was very difficult for me.”

A runner-up in Charleston two years ago, said she spoke briefly with Wozniacki at the net.

“I told her to take care about it and, you know, I have some experience with that and if she needs some advice,” she said. “I think she needs to relax a little bit right now because it’s difficult too — there are so many things going through your mind.”

It was the first meeting between Wozniacki and Zvonareva on clay. They split two matches last year on hard court.