Caroline Wozniacki dismisses retirement rumors, tells why she mysteriously skipped AO

Caroline Wozniacki has confirmed that she is not done with pro tennis as the Dane clarified that she skipped the Australian Open because she wasn’t feeling well enough to be able to compete due to rheumatoid arthritis. 

In early January, tennis fans noticed that the 2018 Australian Open champion’s name was crossed from the tournament’s official entry list.

That meant that she pulled out of the Happy Slam – and since she didn’t provide any reasons or make any announcements – her mysterious withdrawal led to some suspecting that she may have decided to retire.

However, that wasn’t the case.

Speaking with Eurosport, Wozniacki revealed that her chronic inflammatory disease – about which she first found out in 2018 – caused her some issues so she had to stop her preparations for the start of 2025. 

“My body was not feeling great. When I started pre-season training I was struggling with my body a little bit,” the 34-year-old said.

“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.”

Wozniacki hasn’t played since the US Open 

After stunningly returning to tennis in the summer of 2023, the Dane started her 2024 season in time and went 16-14 before calling it a season following her US Open round-of-16 loss to Beatriz Haddad Maia. 

“I honestly don’t know what my plans are after the Open right now. My initial thought is I’m probably not going to play after, but I don’t know. I don’t have a final say,” the former world No. 1 said at Flushing Meadows.

“Again, wherever I travel, I’m going to go with the kids, and I also have to see what’s best for the family and myself.”

Caroline Wozniacki

Caroline Wozniacki© X screenshot

 

Wozniacki not signing up for any tournaments leading up to the Australian Open was also a reason why some feared that she was done with pro tennis.

It remains to be seen when will the 2018 Australian Open champion kick off her 2025 season.

​Tennis World USA


Thanks for reading! Ready to elevate your game? Explore myAI Tennis Coach for AI-powered coaching and match strategies or check out my book, Stop Losing!, for winning tips. Don’t forget to explore our Live Scores page for the latest results and highlights. Stay tuned for more updates—see you on the court!