'He's always treated me as an adult' - Wozniacki on father, coach Piotr

SINGAPORE - Former World No.1 Caroline Wozniacki cracked a smile at the podium when told about father Piotr’s performance during his coaches press conference.

Read more: Piotr Wozniacki on discipline, prize money, and coaching Caroline

“I heard he stole the show,” the defending BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global said after a hard-fought win over Petra Kvitova. “I heard he was killing it.”

The Wozniackis have worked together throughout Caroline’s long career, culminating in a WTA Finals win and first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open. While Piotr pointed to tweaks made with co-coaches and hitting partners as crucial to their continued success, the No.2 seed felt it all starts with their strong father-daughter bond.

“I think he's always treated me as an adult, and I think that's what I really appreciate about my relationship with my dad. Since a very young age, he also asked me for my opinion. I think it was important for him also to know how I felt, what I wanted, what my goal was so that he could help me achieve what I wanted to achieve.

“The fact that he's respected me since I was a kid and respected my opinions - and he could see that I could really hold my own, as well - I think has made our relationship this strong. Of course, sometimes we disagree on some things and we talk about it or we butt heads once in a while, but I think it's part of our relationship. I think it's part of the coaching relationship, as well.

“At the end of the day, we both want what's best, and we both try and find a way where I can improve and I can play my best tennis.”

Piotr jokingly told members of the media never to try coaching their children numerous times on Monday, advice his daughter seems to have taken to heart.

“I probably wouldn't want to coach my kid. I think it's a lot. I think it's hard work. I'm very thankful that my dad wanted to take on that role, and I think we have done amazing and we have a great relationship.

“Hopefully my kids will want to do some sports and be active, and I really want that for them, but if that's not what they want, then that's not what they want. I think if they want to play tennis, that's fine, but if they want to do it professionally, then they need to find someone else to coach them. I have done this for way too long!”

The 28-year-old needed three sets to score her first win of the week at the WTA Finals, shaking off a recurring patella injury in the middle of the second set to ultimately emerge victorious, 7-5, 3-6, 6-2.

“I'm just gonna tape it up, and that's worked for me in the past. It worked for me today. Hopefully, you know, thankfully it's the last tournament of the year so we can patch ourselves up after the tournament.”

Wozniacki will play her final round robin match on Thursday against Elina Svitolina, whom she beat in this phase of the tournament last year.