World number two Caroline Wozniacki breezed to a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Vera Zvonareva in the final of the rain-hit Montreal Cup on Monday, confirming her status as the red-hot favourite for the US Open.
Wozniacki, runner-up to Kim Clijsters at last year's US Open, once again appears to be hitting her hardcourt stride at just the right moment collecting her third win of the season and second hardcourt title in three weeks.
Following the victory, the 20-year-old Dane quickly packed her bags and headed off for her final US Open tune-up in New Haven where she is the top seed and defending champion.
A razor-sharp Wozniacki began the day crushing Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-2, 6-3 in their rain delayed semi-final held over from Saturday and then disposed of Wimbledon finalist Zvonareva in just 74 minutes.
"After waiting around two days and unable to play I actually felt a little bit tired going out for my first match because mentally you have to be prepared all the time," Wozniacki said. "But I'm so happy, I won two matches today and it is a great feeling."
The players were back on centre court just two hours after their semi-final matches and Zvonareva, who advanced when Victoria Azarenka retired with blisters while trailing 7-6, 1-0, was quick out of the blocks with the early break.
But Wozniacki was soon in control sweeping through the next four games.
Zvonareva had a chance to extend the set earning triple break point with Wozniacki serving at 5-3 but could not convert, the Dane fighting back take the first.
Wozniacki kept up the pressure in the second gaining the early break while a frustrated Zvonareva started gesturing and talking to herself.
Sensing the Russian's aggravation, Wozniacki moved in for the kill with another break in the seventh game than served out to clinch her ninth career title.
Wozniacki, who is likely to be awarded the number one seed at Flushing Meadows after world number one Serena Williams was ruled out of the grand slam with injury, can take over top spot in the rankings with a successful title defence in New Haven and a victory at the US Open.
"Of course I would like to be number one in the world but Serena is a great champion, she's won so many grand slams," said Wozniacki. "My goal for now is just to try to win a grand slam and the number one spot is secondary to that."
