Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki returns to Germany's Julia Goerges during the Auckland Classic final yesterday. Pic/Getty Images

Caroline Wozniacki declared she was preparing for a great Australian Open as she closed in on regaining the world top ranking despite a surprise defeat in the WTA Auckland Classic final yesterday. The Dane, 27, is projected to rise to number two in the world when the new rankings are released today and if results go her way in Australia she could make a record-setting return to number one, a position she last held six years ago. Although beaten 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) by world number 14 Julia Goerges in the Auckland final, Wozniacki said her preparation for Melbourne was on track.