Wozniacki on juggling motherhood and tennis: ‘It’s the best job in the world’

Caroline Wozniacki spoke about how she balances motherhood and tennis after reaching the fourth round of the US Open. The former world No. 1 retired from professional activity back in 2019 at just 29 years old, with the goal of starting a family with her husband.

The Danish player gave birth to her first daughter, Olivia, in June 2021, and her second child, James, was born in October 2022. Wozniacki decided to resume her career less than a year after giving birth to her son and three and a half years after leaving professional tennis.

The 33-year-old player received wildcards in some tournaments of the hardcourt swing, including the US Open, where she reached the fourth round and fell in three sets to the eventual champion, Coco Gauff.

Since then, Wozniacki has continued participating in the main tournaments on the Tour and even took part in the Olympic Games. The 2018 Australian Open champion has found a balance between her career and her family, while making it to the fourth round of the US Open for the second consecutive year.

“I love playing here. Any time I get to play another match here, I’m very pleased with that,” said Wozniacki.. “I’m thrilled to be into the second week, of course. I’m just excited to get to play hopefully on one of the big courts in the next one (match) as well and kind of move from there.”

Wozniacki has a record of 15-11 in 2024 and is now ranked world No. 71. In the Round of 16, she will face Beatriz Haddad Maia in search of her 130th victory in a Grand Slam main draw. The Danish player has already reached the final twice at Flushing Meadows and the semifinals on three other occasions.

Although she wasn’t among the favorites this time, Caroline Wozniacki’s name still commands respect on the Tour, and she seems capable of beating anyone. However, her challenges are now greater off the court, especially trying to balance her role as an athlete and as a mother: “My kids are there every single day, and I really appreciate it. It’s the best job in the world, and I love it,” she said.

“I try to make sure that I am still there as a 100% present mom while I’m also trying to balance being the best tennis player that I possibly can be,” she added. “I think that’s where sometimes it can get a little tricky. Obviously, my family is the most important thing to me, but at the same time, I love winning.”

“So finding that balance of being I need to take time out for me and be able to recover and play and practice as much as I can and try not to feel guilty of taking a few hours away from the kids. I think that sometimes that mom guilt comes out, but I try and manage it as well as I can.”

Wozniacki also acknowledged that her current goal is to 'try and peak for the Slams right now,” she explained. “Back in the day, I was fresh and ready to play every single tournament. Now I’m using every tournament that I play for the Grand Slams, and that’s my main goal. That’s where I want to be, that’s where I know I play every other day, I can really set myself up, my body can be set up for playing 100% every single match.”