The unexpected run of Italy's Camila Giorgi from qualifying into the main draw of the US Open keeps going non-stop as she pulled off a surprise upset win over No. 6 seed Caroline Wozniacki.
Playing at night on Arthur Ashe Stadium, No. 136 ranked Giorgi showed early she had a powerful game to test Wozniacki especially with several early forehand winners. But overhitting from Giorgi allowed Wozniacki to secure the first set.
But Giorgi started to reign in the errors and continued displaying fearsome power from the baseline. She broke Wozniacki at 4-5 to take the second set and force a decider.
While Giorgi's father provided his own entertainment for the crowd with his animated cheering for his daughter, things got a little too passionate early in the final set. The chair umpire issued Giorgi's father a warning for coaching from the stands. But it didn't stop Giorgi from holding serve and eventually breaking Wozniacki to take a 4-2 lead.
Wozniacki, down 3-5, saved four match points. But with a final forehand winner, her 46th of the night, Giorgi clinched the 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 upset win.
This is the best result for Giorgi this season after having coming back from a nine-month layoff due to a shoulder injury.
When asked about her tactics going into the match, Giorgi said, "Just when the ball came, just hit the ball in the corners."
Giorgi, who never looked overwhelmed playing for the first time on Arthur Ashe Stadium, enjoyed every moment on court.
"I mean, I wanted that. I mean, was my goal to be there. It was amazing to play there. For me, it's so nice. I never been there, so was really good."
Giorgi will next face fellow Italian Roberta Vinci for a spot in the quarterfinals.
Follow Erik Gudris on Twitter @ATNtennis |