Playing her first WTA tournament since announcing her second coming to tennis, Caroline Wozniacki never missed a beat.
The Danish former WTA number one was ecstatic to experience the thrills of competition and see the fans crossing the turnstiles in numbers to watch her inside the main court of the Canadian Open.
Wozniacki repaid them for an hour and 37 minutes of support with a commanding 6-2, 6-2 win over Kimberly Birrell from Australia. Wozniacki overcame a slow start, as she was broken in the very first game of her comeback.
But that was just a case of fighting off nerves and settling into her favorite playpen. It had been three years since she last played a match at the pro level - a three-set defeat to Ons Jabeur at the 2020 Australian Open.
Unlike other pros who would spend their night restlessly thinking of their comeback, Wozniacki didn't stress over her return nor was she worried about what could or would happen in her first match. She was just happy and tired at the same time it all came to plan on Tuesday afternoon.
"I felt the love. I felt like the fans as well really were for me, and I had a blast out there, and it was really nice to be back out on a court where I have amazing memories from the past."
"I am happy. A little tired. Just it was fun to be out there again playing on center court in front of a big crowd. I'm just thrilled that I could win my first match in three and a half years."
In the presence of her father, Piotr, and husband, David Lee watching from the stands, Wozniacki admitted it is extra special to have the most important people in her life following her in this latest adventure, including her baby daughter Olivia, who is getting a grasp on life.
"I'm just excited to be back and competing, and I think for me it's so special having my family here. As a 33-year-old that has played on tour for many years, and doing it with my kids that now, especially the older one is starting to really understand and gets to really experience the world and different countries, I think it's so cool."
The Dane also shared a story with her father, Piotr, who at first wasn't sure about the comeback, but Caroline quickly convinced him thanks to her determination.
"He was, like, You sure? He was, like, Well, if you are sure, but, like, you've got to take it seriously. I just looked at him and go, When do I not take stuff seriously when I put my mind to it? He looked at me and said, Yeah, that's a good point. He goes, Okay, well, go work, see how your body keeps up, and then come back to me after that. He is, like, I'll be ready if you really need me. Here we are."
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