NEW YORK – Caroline Wozniacki didn’t even know where her snowshoes were.
This shows how far a return to tennis was in the thoughts of the former world number 1, now a mother of two children, at 33 years old.
“I didn’t miss it,” said Wozniacki, who returned to the WTA earlier this month. I have been playing since I was very young. It’s been part of my life and my lifestyle for so long. I needed a break. »
She will play her first major tournament match since 2020 in New York on Monday.
The comeback took shape after she returned to tennis to have fun with friends, to do some cardio.
“I felt like I was hitting the ball really well,” Wozniacki said, smiling. I’m still young enough to try my luck again. We only live once, so why not? »
Wozniacki, who is 1-2 since returning, has won 30 titles and $35 million in his career.
Her biggest triumph came at the Australian Open in 2018, when she beat Simona Halep in the final.
This Grand Slam trophy allowed Wozniacki to return to first place in the rankings after a six-year absence.
Flushing Meadows was also the scene of great moments for the Dane.
In 2009, aged 19, she reached her first major tournament final in New York, losing to Kim Clijsters.
In 2014, she made the final again but lost to a good friend, Serena Williams.
She left at the start of 2020, after Melbourne. She wanted to start a family. She also announced in 2018 that she had rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that can cause pain and swelling in the wrist and other joints.
The current stay is of course a little different for Wozniacki.
She is accompanied by her husband, former NBA player David Lee, their 2-year-old daughter, Olivia, and their 10-month-old son, James.
This presents some logistical challenges, as any working mother knows. And it also brings a few smiles.
An example shared by Wozniacki: She recounted that before heading to the tournament site on Friday, Olivia said, “Mommy, mommy, can I go with you to work? I want to be like you. I want to play tennis. »
“When I’m on the court, I’m 100 per cent there and I give everything I have,” Wozniacki said. When I’m with the kids, that’s what matters most to me at that time. »
Wozniacki will be in action Monday night at Louis Armstrong Stadium against a player from qualifying.
2023-08-26 19:56:29
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