Caroline Wozniacki announces return with goal 'to win US Open'

Caroline Wozniacki - Australian Open 2018

June 30, 2023

Tennis News, US Open Tennis, WTA Tennis Players

Caroline Wozniacki announces her return with goal ‘to win the US Open’

Caroline Wozniacki has made the shock announcement that she will be returning to professional tennis, three years since playing her last match.

Wozniacki last played a professional match at the Australian Open in 2020, and revealed that she would be retiring following her defeat in the third round to Ons Jabeur.

The Dane has since given birth to two children, Olivia and James, and in an interview with Vogue confirmed that she had decided to come out of retirement.

“Over these past three years away from the game I got to make up for lost time with my family, I became a mother and now have two beautiful children I am so grateful for,” Wozniacki said on social media. “But I still have goals I want to accomplish. I want to show my kids that you can pursue your dreams no matter your age or role. We decided as a family it’s time. I’m coming back to play and I can’t wait!”

Over these past three years away from the game I got to make up for lost time with my family, I became a mother and now have two beautiful children I am so grateful for. But I still have goals I want to accomplish. I want to show my kids that you can pursue your dreams no matter… pic.twitter.com/OQatFWxQGK

— Caroline Wozniacki (@CaroWozniacki) June 29, 2023

When speaking to Vogue, the former WTA No.1 said, “Three years ago, having achieved almost everything I’d ever set out to do, I walked away from the professional tour. I wanted to start a family, and I needed a break. I had no idea how long that break would last.”

Wozniacki continued, “But then, one day late last year, I found myself setting up a couple of sessions on the court. And when my dad visited me in Florida, I realised I needed advice. I hit for 20, 30 minutes – I’m not sure how long, but at one point I looked at him and said, “I feel like I’m hitting it better than I ever have. Am I making that up?” He said I wasn’t making that up. And that’s when I knew I had to get back out there.”

The 32-year-old revealed her intent to play at the US Open this year, and plans to start her comeback at the WTA 1000 event in Montreal.

“So I’m going to play the US Open,” confirmed Wozniacki. “There’s just an electric atmosphere in New York that I can’t get enough of, and I’ve played so well there for years and years.”

“I’ll start out playing in Montreal just to get back into the groove, and then we’ll all head to New York. “

Solidifying her intent to return to the US Open, the tournament have announced that the two-time finalist has received a wildcard for the event that begins on the 28th August.

Caroline Wozniacki is making her return to tennis!

She’s been awarded a US Open wild card. pic.twitter.com/RkFkK5kuZK

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) June 29, 2023

The US Open is the current goal for Wozniacki, however she will not be stopping there and plans to continue her comeback into 2024 including the Australian Open and the Paris Olympics.

“After that, I’ll have a couple of months to prepare for Australia, and we’ll take it from there. The Paris Olympics are definitely a goal too,” continued the 30-time title winner.

She added, “How long will I be able to play at my highest level – a year, two years, three years? I don’t know. But I know that five years from now, when the kids are in school, it will be too late.”

Despite not reaching the quarter-final of a major event since her maiden Grand Slam win in 2018, Wozniacki still thinks she can win the US Open and Australian Open.

“Am I nervous? Not really. I’m coming back to something I love. Yes, I’ll be nervous before a match; I’m okay with that. I’m great with that. Can I win the US Open? I think so. Can I win the Australian Open? I think so,” claimed Wozniacki. “That’s why I’m doing this. And I guess we’ll see what happens.”

Caroline Wozniacki Career Achievements

As Wozniacki announces her return to professional tennis, we at Tennishead wanted to look back at her career achievements before she stepped away from the sport in 2020:

Career-high ranking: No.1 (71 weeks)

WTA Titles: 30

Grand Slam titles: 1 (Australian Open 2018)

WTA 1000 titles: 6 (Montreal 2010, Tokyo 2010, Beijing 2010, Dubai 2011, Indian Wells 2011, Beijing 2018)

WTA Finals titles: 1 (Singapore 2017)