Caroline Wozniacki has shared why she is not playing at the Australian Open.
The 34-year-old made a surprise return to the WTA Tour in 2023 after a three-year absence during which she gave birth to two children.
The Dane climbed back into the top 70 during her latest run and made the last 16 at the US Open on two occasions.
But the ongoing edition of the Australian Open is taking place without one of its former champions, and now fans know why.
Why is Caroline Wozniacki not playing at the Australian Open?
Caroline Wozniacki experienced the greatest moment of her career at the 2018 Australian Open.
The former World number one defeated Romania’s Simona Halep in three sets to claim her only Grand Slam title so far.
Wozniacki would have loved the opportunity to compete at Melbourne Park once again, but she has told Eurosport that she has been struggling physically and therefore decided not to play.
“My body was not feeling great. When I started pre-season training I was struggling with my body a little bit,” Wozniacki 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.”
Following her fitness update, Wozniacki was asked if she would return this season, she replied: “I hope so,” which further implies the uncertainty around her career at the moment.
When was Caroline Wozniacki’s last match?
Wozniacki has not played since the 2024 US Open, where she reached the fourth round.
She defeated the unseeded players of Nao Hibino, Renata Zarazúa and Jessika Ponchet to set up a last 16 contest against Beatriz Haddad Maia.
The Brazilian took the first set before Wozniacki fought back to level proceedings and send the match into a final set.
But ultimately it was Haddad Maia who went to secure a 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 win and move into the quarter-finals, where she lost to Karolina Muchova.
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