Caroline Wozniacki relishing unexpected return to tennis: ‘I still am young enough to give it another shot’

Caroline Wozniacki revealed that she is relishing being back on the tour ahead of her first US Open appearance in three years.

Wozniacki bowed out from the game after the Australian Open back in 2020 and went on to have two children, with no intention of returning to tennis.

However, the 33-year-old, who spent 71 weeks as the world No. 1, announced her return in June and is set to face Tatiana Prozorova in the first round in New York on Monday.

‘’I didn't play for a very long time. I didn't miss it,” Wozniacki said of her break from tennis.

“I played since I was very, very young. It's been part of my life and my lifestyle for so long.

‘’I needed a break. I started just missing the cardio aspect. I'll always love the game, no matter if I'm 33 or if I'm going to be 80.

‘’I hope I'm always going to be fit enough that if I want to go out there and hit some balls, play some doubles or whatever, that would be a possibility with my friends.

“It just happened to be that I felt like I was hitting the ball extremely well, and that I still am young enough to give it another shot. You only live once, so why not?’’

‘’When you look at yourself and you feel like you still have a chance to do something really cool and really good, then you have got to take the chance.

“You never know if you don't try it.’’

Two-time US Open finalist Wozniacki admitted she is ‘proud’ that she has proved it is possible to have children and then return to professional tennis.

‘’I'm proud that there are quite a few mums on tour that have paved the way for the future generation,” she said.

“It's possible to take a break, have a family, and then come back.

“The women have showed that you can still play at a very, very high level. I realise that I'm not that young any more. But you have older players. 

''I'm enjoying being here in the moment. I didn't think three years ago that I was going to be here, so this is awesome.’’