DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)—Shahar Peer upset top-seeded Caroline Wozniacki 6-2, 7-5 Wednesday, reaching the quarterfinals of the Dubai Championship a year after she was denied a visa to play in the tournament.
The Israeli had at least one break opportunity on each of Wozniacki's 10 service games. She had never previously even taken a set off the 2009 U.S. Open finalist in three previous matches.
The 22nd-ranked Peer closed it out on her fifth match point in a second set that contained seven breaks. The third-ranked Wozniacki held serve only twice in the match.
She played really well,'' Wozniacki said.She kept changing the rhythm all the time. I had a few unforced errors early in the match and never managed to put her under pressure.''
Last year, organizers were fined $300,000 by the WTA for not allowing Peer to play in the event. She was denied a visa by the United Arab Emirates government, citing security reasons.
The match was moved from Center Court to Court No. 1 at the Aviation Club because it is the most secure, a decision Wozniacki agreed to even though she said the court speed was different.
If there is a threat to her, there is a threat to me as well. So I completely agree with the fact that the match was scheduled on Court No. 1. I'd rather be safe than sorry,'' Wozniacki said.The change of court did create a bit of a problem, since it was a little faster than the Center Court. But the conditions were the same for both of us and I really can't complain.''
Both players traded breaks in the opening set before Peer broke decisively to lead 4-1.
Wozniacki won only 42 percent her points on first serve and 37 percent on second.