Former women’s tennis world number 1 Caroline Wozniacki is set to make a grand return to Auckland next year, a place that holds special memories for the Danish superstar.
The upcoming ASB Classic in January marks her eighth appearance in Auckland, a tournament she holds dear for its intimate setting and the warmth of its fans.
“I’m so excited to come back to Auckland. I have amazing memories from playing there, and it’s going be my children’s first time there,” she said, reflecting on her anticipation for the event. “It’s amazing that I can come back and prepare as well as I possibly can for the Australian Open, and I love the fans in Auckland.”
In 2020, Wozniacki retired from tennis after a 15-year career that saw her ranked as the world’s best player twice. In 2018, she won the Australian Open. After spending time in the commentary booth since then and having two children with her husband, former NBA All-Star David Lee, Wozniacki has a new outlook on tennis.
She returned to the court this year, playing warm-up events in Montreal and Cincinnati before the US Open in New York. She reached the fourth round, where she lost to eventual winner Coco Gauff - who is headed to the ASB Classic as defending champion - in three sets.