Caroline Wozniacki Clarifies Australian Open Absence After Retirement Speculation
News
Former Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki has revealed why she did not compete at this year's edition of the tournament after concerns about her possibly retiring for a second time from professional tennis.
Wozniacki's withdrawal from the 2025 Australian Open was done without announcing the reason for the decision. It is usually common practice for players to explain to fans why they will not be playing, especially at Grand Slams.
The Dane's high-profile means no clarification being given for the move was particularly strange. Wozniacki won the most significant title of her career and the only Grand Slam to date at the 2018 Australian Open.
Many fans were worried about Wozniacki's future in the sport because she has not played since last year's US Open, where she reached the fourth round. The 34-year-old also progressed to that stage in 2023 in what was the first Grand Slam appearance since reversing her 2020 retirement.
Wozniacki sought to ease her fans' concerns during an interview with Eurosport. She gave the reason for her withdrawal and hopes to get back on the court competing again soon.
“My body was not feeling great. When I started pre-season training I was struggling with my body a little bit. I have rheumatoid arthritis so it’s been an ongoing battle but I am hoping with a little break I will be back again soon."
The news is somewhat positive for Wozniacki and her fans. What kept the three-time Grand Slam finalist out of the Australian Open was not a new, severe injury that requires months of rehabilitation, which would be difficult at 34.
Wozniacki also has no fans to retire. There has been much attention on her since she surprised fans worldwide by returning to tennis after over three years, and retiring less than two years later would have disappointed many.
However, the Dane's revelation that she has an ongoing battle with rheumatoid arthritis means training to compete could be a consistent battle. That is complicated further by Wozniacki being at an age that many retire at.
It is uncertain when Wozniacki will return. She has not played a packed schedule since returning to the WTA Tour, as demonstrated by skipping the entire Asian swing after the US Open in 2023 and 2024.
Wozniacki picking and choosing her tournaments is understandable. The former Grand Slam champion has young children with her husband, making traveling all around the world more complicated compared to other players.
Being on the sidelines means she has been able to watch the Australian Open without any pressure. The women's final is set. Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka will face Madison Keys after the latter's incredible victory against Iga Swiatek.
Keys triumphed despite Swiatek holding a match point in the deciding set. Many fans wanted to see a final between Sabalenka and Swiatek, but Keys will be a formidable opponent if she retains her level from the semifinal.
The WTA Tour is in a great place right now, and the fact Wozniacki competed so impressively last year against high-quality opponents after being away for so long is very impressive.
