More than three years after she announced her retirement at the Australian Open in 2020, Caroline Wozniacki has confirmed a surprise comeback at the age of 32.
She will resume her career this summer at the WTA 1000 tournament in Montreal with the goal of preparing for the US Open.
The Danish tennis player spent 71 weeks at the top of the world rankings during her prime, and she finished the first part of her career with 30 singles titles, including a Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in 2018.
Some time away from the court
The Grand Slam winner walked away from the sport in 2020 to prioritise her private life and start a family.
But after having two children with her husband, the former NBA player David Lee, and enjoying some time away from the court, the former world number one thought a return made good sense.
“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 wrote on her Instagram profile.
“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!”
Expert: It will be a challenge
But not everyone is impressed by the news. TV2 expert Peter Bastiansen questions whether the 32-year-old can compete, claiming the sport has moved on since she retired.
Matching the pace and physique of the young players will be a huge challenge, he says.
“Caroline was extremely athletic and strong on the back line, but she didn’t have a winning shot, so she will be challenged like crazy,” he told TV2.
“She must at least adopt a more aggressive game. She can’t just stand down on the back line and wait for the opponent to make a mistake.”
