At 35 years old, with three children, and not having competed since August 2024, the Danish player finds it almost impossible to regain the form and enthusiasm to return to the professional circuit.
It is so difficult to accept that the end has come that many people choose to let it pass until it is taken for granted. This could be the case with Caroline Wozniacki, who admits that there is a very real possibility that we may not see her return to the circuit.
The story of Caroline Wozniacki is captivating from every angle. Starting with the precocity she showed when she landed on the tour, her seasons as World No. 1, the struggle it took to win her first Grand Slam, and the long break she took after becoming a mother. She returned to the courts in 2023 to play three tournaments, including reaching the US Open round of 16. By 2024, it was already thirteen tournaments, concluding once again in New York, where she reached the fourth round. Since then, the only news we have had of her is that last July she became a mother for the third time.
Considering that she is now 35 years old and getting back in shape at this point becomes increasingly challenging, many believe that the Dane will not don the shorts again. In fact, this would be the most logical scenario, although we know how champions can be. In the podcast Nothing Major, they did not want to leave the question unanswered, so they chose to call the former world No. 1 directly and ask her the million-dollar question. Is she officially retired? Does the idea of competing again in 2026 cross her mind?
“The truth is, no, I believe the answer is no,” states the Odense native today. “If it depended on David, my husband, he would surely point out my protected ranking, which I can use. He would encourage me to play in the upcoming tournaments, I’m sure, especially the big ones. I know I still have plenty of time to decide, I know I can get back in shape because I did it once before, and I also know you can never say never. However, with three young children, this already represents a full-time job for me,” affirms the 2018 Australian Open champion, among other titles.
Wozniacki reveals what her future holds off the court
With Olivia, James, and little Mac as her main focus in her daily life, it’s easy for Wozniacki to conclude that she may have nothing more to offer in terms of competition. After all, she has already shown her greatness in different stages, both before becoming a mother and after. It’s natural that her tennis DNA may not allow her to completely close the door on a new comeback, although her mind is starting to envision possible horizons to explore once she hangs up her racket for good.
I am aware that I have three young kids, but I still adore traveling; that has not changed at all since the day I first stepped onto the circuit. I’ve had a great time these last years working in television; I truly enjoy it,” notes Caroline after her media experience. “I would say that my next steps may go in that direction; I would like to work only a few selected weeks during the year and then relax with my family. This would be the perfect balance,” she concludes with a smile. We will have to wait a few more months to know for sure what decision she makes.
