Caroline Wozniacki gets early win on Linette retirement at Australian Open

Caroline Wozniacki in action at the 2024 Australian Open 

Magda Linette came into the opening round and lost the battle with a tough injury at the Australian Open on Sunday. The Pole gave it her best against Caroline Wozniacki, who took the opening set and was given the pass to the second round. Her 6-2, 2-0 result on Margaret Court Arena left many disappointed but happy that the 33-year-old was advancing.

The 2018 champ returned to Melbourne Park feeling capable after a three-year absence to go for another slam to begin 2024. She had a tough matchup against Elina Svitolina in Auckland, being knocked out in the opening round. Having two matches against Linette dating to 2017 and on hard courts, allowed her to recall her success against the Pole and try to upset the 20th seed. The 31-year-old tallied three matches in Brisbane and Adelaide, but facing the former world number one proved challenging for an opening match.

Linette had a tough opening service, playing at the baseline with long rallies but suffered the break to love. Wozniacki had to shake off the rust, falling behind on the score, but managed to force deuce with the 20th seed. She got out of trouble after two breaks, forcing the Pole to err and fall two games back. She delivered better in the third game, moving into the court and finding an ace in her bag to secure the serve.

She fought hard to break back and level the score against Wozniacki, who dug in for a lengthy fourth game. Wozniacki scored the breakback in the fifth as Linette suffered a double fault, followed by numerous errors. Wozniacki had a quick finish to her serve due to a lack of effort from Linette, who called the trainer mid-game and missed on points. The 31-year-old handed the break to Wozniacki, taking a conference with the trainer due to an upper left leg issue.

She left the court for a medical timeout and returned three minutes later with much more tape on her left leg. Facing the Dane on serve to stay in the set, the 20th seed grinded through the points but ultimately fell out of the first set after 47 minutes. She tallied 16 errors and struggled with the serve as her injury caused her discomfort where it mattered most.

Wozniacki got the break coming out the gate in the second set, throwing the heat at Linette, who showed further struggle. The Dane earned her first and last shutout as the 31-year-old bowed out after two games in the set.