Caroline Wozniacki admits that she has a tough draw against former No. 1 and two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka in the second round, and said their match will help her assess her opponent's level. Azarenka missed most of the 2014 season due to injury and she is currently ranked No. 44.
"She's won here before," Wozniacki said. "Not the easiest on paper. But at the same time I'm just going to focus on myself, my own game. Honestly, whether you have to beat her in the second round or fourth round, whatever, doesn't matter if you want to win the tournament."
While the two have known each other since they were kids, they have not played against each other in the last few years. Wozniacki is 4-3 in their head-to-head, but they have only played once in the past three years, with Azarenka winning in the quarterfinals of Cincinnati in 2013.
The Dane isn't sure whether Azarenka will end the year in the Top 10 again. "I don't know. It's hard to say," Wozniacki said. "I think I'll have a better answer after my next match against her. I saw her play a little bit. Obviously she's a great player. She's been in the Top 10. She's definitely going to climb the ranks."
Wozniacki added that she and Azarenka are still friends, but it is difficult to stay connected when they are on the road. Both of them have homes in Monte Carlo.
"We've always been pretty close," Wozniacki said. "I think there's times, periods, where you spend more time together, periods where you don't. Friends, your best friends, when you don't talk to them for a few months, all of a sudden you talk, it's like you've seen each other yesterday. She's a fun girl to be around. There's always loads to talk about. I'm glad to see her back."