Caroline Wozniacki swept aside Elena Dementieva 6-1, 6-1 in the group stage of the WTA Championships on Tuesday, putting her one match for ensuring she will remain the world's top-ranked player for 2010.
Wozniacki of Denmark was never threatened, racing out to a 3-0 lead in the first set on her way to thrashing Dementieva who often had no answer for Wozniacki strong serves and well place backhands and forehands. True to form, Wozniacki's performance was so much dominating as it was consistent, as she won 77 percent of the points on the first serve but only had one ace.
Wozniacki needs to win two of her round-robin matches to fend off a challenge for world No. 2 Vera Zvonareva of Russia.
Vera Zvonareva defeated Jelena Jankovic 6-3, 6-0 keeping alive her chance of becoming the top-ranked player.
Zvonareva started out slowly but took advantage of several double-faults and unforced errors by Jankovic to go up 5-3. She closed out the set when Jankovic, who appeared to be fatigued, double-faulted.
She coasted in the second set, using a strong serve and several unforced errors from Jankovic to clinch the match.
Zvonareva faces a tough task to replace Wozniacki. She must win all three matches in the group stage and make it to the final. Wozniacki only needs to win two of her round-robin matches.
The tournament features the top eight players in 2010, although Serena Williams (foot) and Venus Williams (knee) are absent because of injuries.
After a round-robin group stage, the top two players from each group advance to the semifinals.
Jankovic, who was No. 1 in 2008, has dropped to No. 8 in the rankings. She lost to 248th-ranked Zarina Diyas at the Kremlin Cup last week and has struggled with ankle and back injuries this season.
