NEW YORK — Caroline Wozniacki, amidst her stunning resurgence after a hiatus of 3½ years from professional tennis, delivered an awe-inspiring performance that left spectators in awe at the US Open. Following her incredible victory, Wozniacki’s heartfelt emotions were on full display as she sat in her US Open sideline chair, overwhelmed by the magnitude of her accomplishment. She leaned forward, concealing her face with both hands, then leaned back, sharing a joyful smile with her husband and father in the stands.
Two delicately crafted gold chains hung around her neck, each inscribed with a name in elegant cursive – Olivia, her 2-year-old daughter, and James, her 10-month-old son.
Wozniacki’s decision to return from retirement and embark on a fresh tennis journey proved to be a masterstroke. Her remarkable journey at Flushing Meadows continued as she progressed to the third round by defeating the two-time Wimbledon champion, Petra Kvitova, in a thrilling match that concluded with a scoreline of 7-5, 7-6 (5) on a Wednesday night at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Overflowing with elation, Wozniacki expressed, “This couldn’t be better. It’s a dream come true. If you had asked me three years ago, I would have said I’ll never be back here, playing on this court.”
The 33-year-old Danish tennis sensation, who previously clinched the 2018 Australian Open title and attained the No. 1 ranking during her earlier tenure on the tour, temporarily withdrew from the sport in early 2020 to start a family with her husband, David Lee, a former NBA player. Her journey also included a stint as a TV analyst.
Ranked at an unexpected No. 623 in the world, Wozniacki’s return to competitive tennis this month marked her long-awaited comeback to the revered courts of Flushing Meadows, her return since her last appearance in 2019.
Wozniacki’s profound connection with the US Open resonates deeply, with her finishing as the runner-up in 2009 and 2014, the latter loss coming against her close friend Serena Williams.
Her sentiments about the city of New York and the iconic tennis court were evident as she shared, “I love New York. I love this court. I love everything about this city and playing here.” She revealed her plans to spend quality time with her children on the upcoming Thursday, while her comfort on the courts was palpable since her arrival over a week ago.
The next leg of Wozniacki’s journey promises another intense clash as she faces off against Jennifer Brady, the 2020 US Open semifinalist and 2021 Australian Open finalist. Brady, an American player who recently returned to the tour after a two-year hiatus due to injuries, is poised to offer a formidable challenge to Wozniacki’s inspiring revival.
This momentous victory against Petra Kvitova marks Wozniacki’s third appearance in her comeback journey. Her resilience and skill were on full display as she showcased her capabilities against the 11th-seeded Kvitova. While a few wobbles surfaced, including her inability to capitalize on two match points at 5-4 in the second set, Wozniacki’s tenacity prevailed as she clinched victory in the tiebreaker.
Reflecting on her triumph, Wozniacki noted, “Obviously we knew each other’s game very well,” expressing her satisfaction at emerging victorious.
Wozniacki’s triumphant return is mirrored in her substantial career accomplishments, including amassing 122 major match wins. This achievement places her fourth among active women players, trailing only Venus Williams, Victoria Azarenka, and Petra Kvitova, as confirmed by ESPN Stats & Information research. As her journey unfolds, Wozniacki’s story serves as a beacon of resilience, dedication, and the enduring power of the human spirit.
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