Caroline Wozniacki's tennis career comes to an end at Australian Open
Caroline Wozniacki’s storied tennis career has come to an end.
Wozniacki, who announced in December that the Australian Open would be the final tournament of her career, fell to Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur 7-5, 3-6, 7-5 at Melbourne Arena in the third round — which sparked an emotional moment out on the court.
“I think it was only fitting that my last match would be a three-setter, a grinder and that I would finish my career with a forehand error,” Wozniacki said jokingly while holding back tears. “Those are the things that I have been working on my whole career, and I guess this was just meant to be.”
"I think it was only fitting that my last match would be a three-setter, a grinder and that I would finish my career with a forehand error."
Ever the joker, @CaroWozniacki ❤️#AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/LhFs8Kxkyj— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 24, 2020
Though she nearly extended her run with a comeback in the final set, rallying from a 0-3 hole to tie it up 3-3, it wasn’t enough. Jabeur quickly wrapped up the match, sending the 29-year-old out of the tournament.
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
Wozniacki spent 71 weeks atop the WTA rankings, and won 30 titles throughout her career. The Danish star picked up her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in 2018, too, and had an impressive 11-year stretch where she won at least one tournament each season.
Wozniacki announced her retirement in an Instagram post in December, saying both that she wanted to start a family with her husband — former NBA player David Lee — and and raise awareness about rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition she revealed she had been diagnosed with in 2018.
She has also competed in three Olympics, and carried the flag for Denmark at the opening ceremony at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
“There are some special memories that I’ll always cherish and just the journeys to get where we got all together, it’s been really amazing. It’s been a great ride,” Wozniacki said. “I’m ready for the next chapter. I’m ready for what’s to come.”
With the win, Jabeur will next take on China’s Qiang Wang, who stunned Serena Williams in their third round match on Friday.
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