Wozniacki wins 18th straight match in New Haven

NEW HAVEN, Conn. — Caroline Wozniacki remains undefeated at the New Haven Open.

The four-time defending champion beat Ekaterina Makarova 6-3, 6-3 in the first round Monday, her 18th consecutive victory at the tournament.

She first entered the event in 2008 when it was known as the Pilot Pen.

"Everything about the tournament and around the tournament just makes me feel at home and makes me feel like I can play well here," she said.

Wozniacki was broken in the opening game, but won the next five to take control of the first set.

Makarova got another early break in the second to go up 2-0, but Wozniacki rallied again, getting a break to tie the set 2-2, another in the seventh game to take the lead and a third to close the match.

The 22-year-old Dane had to play in the first round for the first time since 2009, after being seeded third behind Agnieszka Radwanska and Petra Kvitova.

"I think the last few years I've had a bit of an easier opponent in the first round — I've played ‘Bye," she said. "I'm pretty comfortable playing ‘Bye.' This year, unfortunately, ‘Bye' wasn't there."

She will face Sofia Arvidsson of Sweden in the second round. Arvidsson beat Melanie Oudin 6-4, 6-1.