"Marriage is a big thing... Having kids makes a big difference" - Caroline Wozniacki on balancing tennis career with motherhood
Caroline Wozniacki has spoken up about her desire to be a good wife, a good mother to her two children, and a competitive tennis player at the same time. Wozniacki married former NBA star David Lee in June 2019 and gave birth to their daughter Olivia and son James in June 2021 and October 2022, respectively. The former World No. 1 made her comeback to the WTA Tour in August last year and has been active since then.
Currently, Caroline Wozniacki is in New York, with her 2024 US Open campaign still going strong. The 2018 Australian Open champion has so far come out on top against Nao Hibino, Renata Zarazua, and Jessika Ponchet across the first three rounds.
After her dominant 6-3, 6-2 win over Ponchet, Wozniacki interacted with reporters at a press conference, where she was asked about how she is juggling her tennis career and her responsibilities as a wife and a mother. The Dane said that her marriage hasn't radically changed her routine.
"Of course marriage is a big thing and I'm very happily married but when you get married it doesn't really change your preparation for training or matches or days off," Wozniacki said (via "Punto de Break").
However, the former World No. 1 acknowledged that since becoming a mother, it has been challenging for her to balance her personal and professional lives.
"Having kids makes a big difference. Obviously my kids are there every day and I'm so grateful for that. It's the best job in the world and I love it. I try to make sure that I'm still a 100 per cent present mum whilst also trying to balance being the best tennis player I can be. I think that's where it can get a bit tricky sometimes," Wozniacki added.
Caroline Wozniacki has made steady progress since her comeback; Dane re-entered WTA top 100 ahead of Wimbledon 2024
While Wozniacki has not been able to add to her 30 singles titles on the WTA Tour since returning to action last year, the Dane has made rapid progress, which has seen her break back into the WTA top 100. Her 2023 year-end ranking was a lowly World No. 236.
Two of the Dane's best runs since her comeback have come at the 2024 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells and the Bad Homburg Open. At both events, Wozniacki reached the quarterfinals. However, on both occasions, she was compelled to retire mid-match due to injury.
The World No. 71 is set for a further rise in her WTA Tour ranking following the conclusion of the ongoing 2024 US Open. Her next match at Flushing Meadows will see her take on No. 22 seed Beatriz Haddad Maia in the fourth round on Tuesday, September 3.