Australian Open 2024: Champion Mom Caroline Wozniacki Bows Out

Caroline Wozniacki experienced a familiar sense of disappointment at the Australian Open, despite returning after a four-year hiatus. The Danish player, who won the tournament in 2018, was defeated 1-6 6-4 6-1 by Maria Timofeeva in the second round, marking her first appearance at the event since 2020. Wozniacki, who took a break from tennis two years after her victory, made a comeback to the WTA Tour in 2023.

Entering the tournament as a wildcard, Wozniacki was accompanied by her children, Olivia and James, but faced an early exit, her quickest since the first round in 2016. She expressed to the media that her disappointment in losing matches remains unchanged over the years, particularly when her family is present, as she wishes to prolong her stay and avoid relocating. Wozniacki shared her frustration about the recent match, feeling it slipped away from her and acknowledging the desire to keep winning at Grand Slams.

Joining Wozniacki in the Melbourne comeback were fellow former Australian Open champions and new mothers, Angelique Kerber and Naomi Osaka, both of whom were eliminated in the first round. Kerber, the 2016 champion, returned to the tour after an 18-month break and felt more relaxed and open, appreciating the support she received following her 6-2 3-6 6-1 loss to Danielle Collins on Tuesday. She noticed a change in her approach and sensed appreciation from other players, remarking on the increasing number of mothers returning to the tour.