Ankle injury returns to haunt Wozniacki again
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By Brian Homewood
STUTTGART, Germany (Reuters) - Caroline Wozniacki's ankle injury came back to haunt her Thursday as the top seed was knocked out of the Stuttgart Open in straight sets by Lucie Safarova.
Seven-times grand slam winner Justine Henin, who returned to the circuit in January after a sabbatical of just under two years, beat her Belgian compatriot Yanina Wickmayer, despite a nervous stutter in the second set .
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World number two Wozniacki, who retired hurt during a match at the Family Circle Cup in Charleston two weeks ago after injuring her ankle in a tumble, said she was still struggling as she lost 6-4 6-4 in her first match in Stuttgart.
"I didn't feel I could move 100 per cent," the Dane told reporters after her defeat to the 38th-ranked Safarova. "She was making me run and that's why she won.
"If you can't move it's difficult to win."
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Safarova said she sensed Wozniacki was vulnerable.
"She was not moving as well as she can," the Czech said. "I was trying to make her run and push her."
Henin, a wild card, took the first set 6-3 and then raced to a 5-1 lead before her nerves took control.
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Wickmayer won four games in a row to pull level but Henin regained her composure to take the second set 7-5.
"I was controlling the match then suddenly I got nervous," said Henin.
"I was very pleased with my reaction at 5-5, I had to stay very calm."
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Henin will face Jelena Jankovic Friday after the Serb, seeded four, beat Tsvetana Pironkova 6-2 6-2.
"I'm glad I can play this type of game, it's very important for me as I try to get my confidence back on clay," said Henin.
(Editing by Kevin Fylan and Alison Wildey; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)