Caroline Wozniacki: Tennis' Rising Star

Most people are familiar with Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova. It's time for a new name.

Caroline Wozniacki [pronounced Woz-NEE-ak-ee].

Born in Odense, Denmark, she currently resides in Monte Carlo, Monaco.

The 2009 U.S. Open most recently showcased the strides 19-year-old Wozniacki has taken. The young Dane advanced to the final against veteran Kim Clijsters. Although she fell short and earned second place, it was the beginning steps of a march into the national spotlight.

In the quarterfinals match of the U.S. Open she faced 17-year-old Melanie Oudin from Marietta, Georgia. Wozniacki showed exceptional poise and confidence by defeating the American despite a heavily Oudin-favored crowd.

"I'm sorry I won against Melanie today," Wozniacki said to the crowd afterward. "I know many of you guys wanted her to win, but hopefully I won many of your guys' hearts, and you'll be cheering for me in my next match." - New York Times

Her statements above show the character she beholds. Wozniacki understood her surroundings and made a professional address to the crowd after her win versus Oudin.

Tennis became her love early in life. Not long after, she was competing and winning most matches against her family. Her calling had been found.

Intense training and work ethic would lead to several victories. When she was 14, Wozniacki won the Osaka Mayor's Cup in Japan.

Wozniacki would not take long to turn pro, joining the Sony Ericsson WTA in 2005. Denmark's new tennis icon was inching her way up the ladder, winning multiple junior tournament titles. Most notably, Wozniacki was victorious at Wimbledon in the 2006 Junior Championships.

As a result of her stellar play at this year's U.S. Open, Wozniacki received an invite to the Sony Ericsson Championships in Doha, Qatar. This season-ending tournament features solely the world's top eight players. The competition will start Oct. 27 and conclude Nov. 1.

Currently ranked sixth by the WTA, her somewhat unknown status will change. Her chances to win the WTA Championships are par with anyone.

Wozniacki is on the verge of stardom. She feels it.

"I always believed that I could be one of the best players in the world, I just didn't think that it would happen so soon."

Sources:

The New York Times

Caroline's Official Website