World number two Caroline Wozniacki emerged from the jaws of defeat to complete a stunning comeback against Jana Fett in three sets at the Australian Open. Wozniacki was down 5-1 and facing two match points in Wednesday's second-round clash on Rod Laver Arena before the second seed rallied to avoid a stunning upset, prevailing 3-6 6-2 7-5.
The Danish star – in pursuit of the number one ranking and a maiden grand slam at Melbourne Park – won the final six games as unheralded Croatian Fett capitulated under the warm Australian sun. Debuting in the main draw of a slam, world number 119 Fett did not look overawed in her first match against a top-10 player.
Fett stormed out of the blocks in picturesque and warm conditions, breaking in the opening game and the Croat fended off two break points but she was unable to save a third, spraying a forehand long to hand the break back. The exchanges of breaks continued as Fett broke immediately before, this time, consolidating for a surprise 3-1 lead.
Wozniacki – with retired NBA star and fiance David Lee in her corner – was wayward with her shots, her forehands missing their targets as she handed her opponent the first set with just four winners to her name, compared to Fett's 13. Despite a racquet change and Wozniacki's best efforts, Fett seemed to have all the answers in the second set – none more so than in the second game.
Wozniacki managed to chase down a ball that hit the net cord and dropped short, hitting a fine return, but Fett somehow responded with a stunning cross-court winner.
However, Wozniacki went on to save two break points in a crucial hold, and she carried that momentum into the next game as Fett dropped serve. With Wozniacki on a roll, Fett could not halt the Dane, double-faulting on break point as the former cruised to level the match.
Wozniacki – who lost in the third round last year having bowed out at the first hurdle in 2016 – looked set for another early exit but she saved a pair of match points to power into the third round, with Kiki Bertens or Nicole Gibbs next up.
STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN
Wozniacki [2] bt Fett 3-6 6-2 7-5
WINNERS/UNFORCED ERRORS
Wozniacki – 22/35
Fett – 39/58
ACES/DOUBLE FAULTS
Wozniacki – 4/7
Fett – 1/9
BREAK POINTS WON
Wozniacki – 7/10
Fett – 6/18
FIRST SERVE PERCENTAGE
Wozniacki – 67
Fett – 43
PERCENTAGE OF POINTS WON ON FIRST/SECOND SERVE
Wozniacki – 62/41
Fett – 58/45
TOTAL POINTS
Wozniacki – 91
Fett – 101
