Sixth seed Caroline Wozniacki took on Chanelle Scheepers in round two of the US Open on Thursday night.
The former world number one had met the South African just once previously. That match was a tight affair, ending 7-5 6-7 6-2 in the Dane's favour.
However, this encounter turned out to be a procession for Wozniacki, who prevailed 6-1 6-2 inside 67 minutes.
Recap how the match unfolded below with Sports Mole's blow-by-blow text coverage.
Greeting fans of female tennis! It is a beautiful night in New York, where Caroline Wozniacki and Chanelle Scheepers have just walked out onto court.
Both players gave a brief pre-match interview to ESPN, in which they were quizzed about their one previous meeting...
Scheepers: "I'm just going to try and keep it close. It was close last time. I'm going to fight hard and I have nothing to lose."
Wozniacki: "Our last match was a tough battle, but this is a night match at the US Open and it's going to be fun!"
PREDICTION: As Scheepers says, she has nothing to lose and that attitude makes the 29-year-old a very dangerous opponent for Wozniacki. I think the Dane will prevail, but it will be a scrap. Three-setter I reckon.
Arthur Ashe Stadium is far from full yet, but British umpire Alison Hughes calls time and Wozniacki will serve to get us underway.
BREAK POINT SCHEEPERS: The South African looks like she is going to be very aggressive tonight. Wozniacki throws is a double fault at 15-0, before her opponent bludgeons her way to 30-40.
SCHEEPERS BREAKS: A brilliant backhand volley at the net seals the opening game for the underdog.
WOZNIACKI BREAKS: Immediate response from the former world number one, who wastes no time in atoning for her disappointing opening service game. She breaks to 15 and then unleashes an angry fist pump to let everyone know that she means business.
Wozniacki double faults again in game three, however she manages to cling onto her serve on this occasion, holding to 30.
BREAK POINT WOZNIACKI: Scheepers is producing far too many errors. She slams an ugly forehand into the net to give Wozniacki break point at 30-40.
WOZNIACKI BREAKS: The Dane pounces on a weak second serve to gain the upper hand in the rally, which is then ended abruptly when Scheepers fires long with her eighth unforced error of the match.
This is too easy for Wozniacki right now. She holds to 15 as Scheepers's unforced errors count reaches 10. That is an average of two per game and, considering the games have been short, it is far from good enough.
Wozniacki wins a brilliant 30-stroke rally to force game six to deuce - the first deuce of the match.
WOZNIACKI BREAKS: Scheepers is struggling to deal with Wozniacki's brutal power. The South African pushes another forehand beyond her opponent's baseline and the Dane, who breaks for a third straight returning game, will now serve for the opening set.
FIRST SET WOZNIACKI: The sixth seed holds to 15 and set one is over after just 28 minutes.
I predicted that this match would go the distance, but that will only happen if Scheepers improves drastically in set two. Right now, a second-set bagel looks more likely.
Scheepers won four of 11 first serve points and two of eight second serve points in set one. She made 15 unforced errors and hit six winners.
Meanwhile, Wozniacki, who won 27 of 41 points in total, made six unforced errors and hit four winners.
WOZNIACKI BREAKS TO LOVE: The only good news for Scheepers fans is that the South African's punishment shouldn't last too much longer at this rate.
Wozniacki holds to love and claims her eighth consecutive game. In the words of David 'Bumble' Lloyd: "Start the car!"
SCHEEPERS HOLDS: The world number 67 races to 40-15, before Wozniacki powers back to force deuce. The Dane then finds her self presented with a break point, which is saved by a fantastic second-serve ace. Another break point comes and goes before Sheepers clinches the game with some gritty hitting.
Normal service is resumed as Wozniacki holds to 15.
Arthur Ashe Stadium is still far from full. The atmosphere is pretty flat too and this match does not seem to be inspiring those who are in attendance.
This match will be directly followed by Rafael Nadal's second round encounter with Rogerio Dutra Silva. You will be able to follow that one with me by clicking here.
WOZNIACKI BREAKS: Nadal and Dutra Silva better start getting ready, because their curtain call will be coming soon. Wozniacki takes game 12 to 30.
THREE BREAK POINTS SCHEEPERS: A stunning forehand down the line catapults the South African to 0-40. Perhaps this match isn't quite over yet?
SCHEEPERS BREAKS: Wozniacki saves two break points, before a brilliant deep return from Scheepers causes the Dane to take on a difficult forehand, which she pats into the net. Scheepers has another game on the board, but I would still be amazed if this match went beyond two sets.
WOZNIACKI BREAKS: Back to reality for Scheepers, who, at 30-40 down, tries to get cute with a drop shot. Wozniacki races to the net, slams a winner down the line and then shrieks "COME ON!"
Wozniacki is now serving for the match.
GAME SET AND MATCH WOZNIACKI: The Dane holds to love and seals victory within 67 minutes.
Speaking to ESPN, the victorious Wozniacki says that she was "really pleased" with the way she was moving tonight. She then goes on to praise the American fans, the majority of whom are still yet to take their seats.
Finally, Wozniacki says a few words about her third round opponent, who will be Camila Giorgi. Wozniacki: "I've never player her before. She's a girl that takes the ball early and commits to every shot, so I will have to make sure I am ready. But right now I'm just looking forward to my day off."
HANG ON! This small crowd has finally woken up! Both players leave the court and are replaced by a 10-year-old girl, who performs a brief rendition of America The Beautiful to send the home fans wild with patriotic joy.
Anyway, that is all I have time for because Rafa Nadal is up very soon. Click here to follow the Spaniard's progress. For anyone who wants to know, Scheepers's final unforced errors count was 27 - OUCH! See you on the other side!
Written by
Robert Summerscales
Robert Summerscales
