Returning champ to try for fifth win at tennis tournament

World No. 6 women’s tennis player Caroline Wozniacki, who has won the New Haven Open at Yale championship four years running, and World No. 4 Agnieszka (Aga) Radwanska have committed to play in this summer’s tournament.

The 2012 New Haven Open at Yale presented by First Niagara will be held Aug. 17-25 at the Connecticut Tennis Center. The World Tennis Association (WTA) event is part of the Emirates Airline U.S. Open Series.

Wozniacki, who ended 2012 ranked No. 1 in the world, will make her fifth consecutive appearance at the New Haven Open. The 21-year-old is undefeated in Connecticut, and in 2011 she stormed to the title as the No. 1 seed without dropping a set. With a championship run in 2012, Wozniacki will surpass Venus Williams to become the outright record-holder for consecutive and overall titles won at the New Haven Open. She has 18 titles overall.

“I love playing the New Haven Open and being on the Yale campus, and am hopeful that I can continue my winning streak there this August,” said Wozniacki. “The fans in Connecticut have been amazing, and they make the tournament feel like a home event for me. It’s definitely one of my favorite tournaments and terrific preparation for the US Open.”

Joining Wozniacki is 2011 WTA “Fan Favorite” Radwanska. In 2012, the 22-year-old native of Poland won titles in Dubai and Miami and reaching a career-high ranking of World No. 4. Last year in New Haven, she suffered an early loss to a streaking Petra Cetkovska, who eventually reached the finals. She has nine WTA titles in her career.

“Adding two of the top six players in the world this early, one being Caroline Wozniacki who has become the face of the New Haven Open over the past four years, is thrilling,” said Anne Worcester, tournament director. “We are excited to see if Caroline can make New Haven Open history with five consecutive victories, but I am certain the competition will be tough as one of her close friends, Aga Radwanska, is one of the hottest WTA players right now.”

In addition to Wozniacki and Radwanska, rising American star Christina McHale entered the New Haven Open just one week ago.

To celebrate Mother’s Day, if fans purchase tickets between now and Sunday, May 13, they will receive early access to individual session box and middle tier seats. If fans purchase $150 or more in tickets, they will also receive a Molton Brown gift pack featuring Heavenly Gingerlily Bath & Shower Gel and a $30 Molton Brown gift card ($44 value). Log on to www.newhavenopen.com or call 1-855-464-8366 for more information. Also, join New Haven Open on Facebook & Twitter for special offers, discounts, games and more.