Former world number one Caroline Wozniacki made it to her second US Open final after China's Peng Shuai had to retire from their semifinal clash in stifling conditions.
The Dane was leading 7-6 (7-1), 4-3 when Shuai began holding her leg in pain, and was then helped off the court for medical attention. The Chinese tennis ace returned 10 minutes later but could complete only five points before collapsing once again in the heat.
The tournament officials later described Shuai's condition as heat illness, and the player is said to be recovering well, The BBC reported
Wozniacki, seeded 10th, said that it is very difficult, adding that one is out there and wants to battle and finish it off properly. She added that she feels sorry for Shuai, as the Chinese played really well.
The Dane said that it was really hot out there and it was just unfortunate that Shuai was ill.
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Wozniacki had received a visit from the doctor after the third game of the second set and was given some tablets, but afterwards said that she is feeling pretty good. She also said that she has in bed basically the last two days but fortunately they had two days off, and that was a bit lucky for her.
Shuai had also suffered in the extreme heat of the Australian Open in January, and she left the Arthur Ashe Stadium in a wheelchair after being consoled by Wozniacki while lying at the baseline.
Wozniacki, who is through to her second Grand Slam final five years after losing to Kim Clijsters at the 2009 US Open, also said that she has got goosebumps, adding that it has been five years since she was in a final there and it's incredible to be back.
Wozniacki now faces Serena Williams for the title on Sunday after the American beat Ekaterina Makarova, the report added.