Caroline Wozniacki is adamant: “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t believe it. “She specifies this because her bet to return to the game after three and a half years of absence, and two deliveries along the way, is not won in advance.
But the charismatic Dane is very well placed to know what she is talking about. In 2009, Wozniacki reached the US Open final. His opponent in the final? A 26-year-old mother, returning after two and a half years away, named Kim Clijsters.
“I remember because she beat me in the final! “launched Wozniacki, in a burst of laughter.
Only three players have won Grand Slams at age 33 or older: Serena Williams (Australia, 2017), Flavia Pennetta (USA, 2015) and Martina Navratilova (Wimbledon, 1990).
Wozniacki obviously hopes to make this trio a quartet, and it is through Montreal that his route passes. “My first game probably won’t be perfect, but I’m going to do my best, I’m going to try to win and play as many games as possible. I hope to peak at the US Open.
“When you haven’t played for such a long time, you can train all you want, it will never replicate how you feel on the pitch. I played here and at home. I will not worry about it. Physically, mentally, I feel good. »
Wozniacki will begin his journey on Tuesday, although Colette Provencher would not have good news for us this week. Whatever happens, the Dane will be pitted against Australia’s Kimberly Birrell, the 114th player in the world, from qualifying.
She landed in Montreal with her family, she slipped in a press briefing. Her children, Olivia and James, are with her. “Honestly, flying here was complicated. It was daytime, so entertaining two kids isn’t easy! I am always impressed by their endurance. I was tired when I arrived, but they did it really well and they didn’t feel the effects of the lag. »
“Otherwise you have to think mostly about logistics, car seats, hotel rooms. You don’t think about those details and all of a sudden you end up with a whole hotel floor for everyone! »
His return is obviously turning heads on the circuit. Her press briefing was the longest of the day, and the younger players were asked about it.
Current World No. 1 Iga Swiatek has brought Wozniacki back to his Polish roots. “She’s one of those people who kinda showed me that it’s possible,” Swiatek argued.
Leylah Annie Fernandez was a child and teenager when Wozniacki dominated the world scene.
Wozniacki is well aware of what she has accomplished so far. In view of her return, she consulted her good friend Serena Williams, as well as Clijsters, two players who put their careers on hold to start a family.
“Serena was just playing on another level. It was impossible to beat her when she was at her peak! she launches in all humility. She probably has a different perspective of what lies ahead. Kim has had success. She told me to enjoy it, to have fun. »
“At this point in my career, I know how to play, what I need to improve. But it’s a lot mental and in the important moments you have to be able to play your best and not fear failure. I’m here, I have nothing to lose and I accomplished most of the goals I had. But I’m here because I love to play and I have a lot to give to the sport. Doing it with my family makes it even more enjoyable. »
