At just 29 years old, Caroline Wozniacki is officially retired from professional tennis.
In an Instagram post last month, the 2018 Australian Open champion announced that regardless of what happened in this year’s first Grand Slam, she’d be calling it a career — one that includes 30 WTA titles and being the world No. 1 for 71 weeks. Although she’s been open about being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, she said her decision was not health-related. Instead, she wants to start a family with former Golden State Warriors star David Lee, travel the world and still raise awareness about rheumatoid arthritis.
In heartbreaking fashion, Wozniacki’s career ended in a three-set battle against Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur, losing 7-5, 3-6, 7-5 on Friday in Melbourne. During the Dane’s emotional post-match interview on court, the Australian Open showed a touching (and funny) tribute video of her peers detailing what makes her so great.
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Watch @CaroWozniacki watch @serenawilliams, @KaPliskova, @ashbarty, @naomiosaka, @Simona_Halep, @SloaneStephens, @Madison_Keys & more share their memories of the great Dane. #AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/YVPQQo6M8m
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 24, 2020
From Ashleigh Barty to Sloane Stephens, the theme of Wozniacki’s 15-year career was her extraordinary ability to return seemingly every single ball. They repeatedly called her a fighter.
Serena Williams and Wozniacki are close friends — and actually, Serena was a bridesmaid in Woz’s wedding in June of 2019 — and Williams closed the tribute video talking about how much she’ll miss her pal:
“It’s going to be really hard for me to not have Caroline on the tour. She’s literally one of my best friends. I’m really happy for her, and I know that she’s doing what she wants to do and that’s what it’s all about.”
"It makes it a lot more fun if you have friends on tour."
Your peers will miss you @CaroWozniacki ❤️#AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/Gt5AvyJfYG
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 24, 2020
Later on Friday from Australia, Wozniacki reflected on her career in a short Instagram post that still expressed her excitement for the future. Understandably, this experience has led to a huge range of emotions for the 2018 Aussie Open champ.
In her caption, she wrote:
Wow what a ride it’s been! From a little girl with a big dream, to this moment, standing on the court today living out my tennis dream one last time, in front of the world. It has been everything I could ever have hoped for!
The farewell I got today was absolutely incredible! Watching this video still gives me goose bumps! Thank you everyone for all the love and support over the years! Excited for what the future holds!❤️
Lee also posted a similar message to his wife after the final match of her career.
Lots of emotions today watching you play your last match. So proud to have been by your side during epic wins and emotional losses. Most of all, I’m proud of your discipline, work ethic , and the pure joy you bring to tennis and your life every single day! I’m thrilled for the next chapter together, filled with great food and wine, endless travel, and athletic babies 😜! I got your back for life, bring on the future! ❤️❤️
Here’s how fans, Jabeur and others in the tennis world reacted to her last match.
Congrats @CaroWozniacki on an amazing career. It was an honour to share the court with you today. Your fighting spirit has always inspired me and I wish you all the best in this next chapter of your life. You'll be missed but I'm sure we will see you around.
@australianopen 🙏 pic.twitter.com/ceKeJf11iP
— Ons Jabeur (@Ons_Jabeur) January 24, 2020
OK, we're not crying. You're crying.
(Truthfully..we're in tears 😭) #AO2020 | #AusOpen |@CaroWozniacki pic.twitter.com/5HIHkOmlFN
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 24, 2020
🇩🇰🇩🇰🇩🇰@CaroWozniacki takes one last lap of Melbourne Arena to the tune of 'Sweet, Caroline' 🎵#AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/r3pIt1o86c
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 24, 2020
Congrats on an incredible career @CaroWozniacki❤️ You were an inspiration for any little girl picking up a racket👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 https://t.co/6Wy0vLBQtL
— Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) January 24, 2020
.@CaroWozniacki thanks for all the good times. Great sharing the court with you and best of luck in the next chapter of your life. We miss you!! pic.twitter.com/MblBSg2ZXz
— Garbiñe Muguruza (@GarbiMuguruza) January 24, 2020
Caro, I was looking for a pic on the tennis court but I realised we had more fun off it 😁
Thank you for always bringing a smile and a laugh to life. I will miss you, but I know that you have great things ahead. Congratulations on an amazing career 🤗@CaroWozniacki 😘 pic.twitter.com/CeteHOOYNB
— Petra Kvitova (@Petra_Kvitova) January 24, 2020
Congratulations @CaroWozniacki & your family for your amazing career! You are an inspiration & I am proud I shared the court with you! All the best for the next chapter of your life! Happy retirement 👏🏻🎉🥂🤗 pic.twitter.com/en0jjvHsPz
— Kristina Mladenovic (@KikiMladenovic) January 24, 2020
What an amazing career, every little girl would dream about!!! Congratulations to every person on this picture for incredible effort and dedication!!! P.S. I will not miss our endless rallies 😁 @CaroWozniacki pic.twitter.com/ztcpyuDavh
— Elina Svitolina (@ElinaSvitolina) January 24, 2020
Caro!!❤❤❤ @CaroWozniacki pic.twitter.com/JiHBxQTEE9
— Aga Radwanska (@ARadwanska) January 24, 2020
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