What Happened to Caroline Wozniacki?
Caroline Wozniacki, a former World No. 1 and 2018 Australian Open champion, initially retired from professional tennis in 2020 due to rheumatoid arthritis and to start a family. She made a surprising comeback in 2023, competing through 2024, before taking a break for her third pregnancy in 2025. As of July 2026, she is primarily focused on her family and a career in sports broadcasting, having indicated that a further return to professional play is unlikely.
Quick Answer
Caroline Wozniacki, the former World No. 1 and 2018 Australian Open winner, initially retired from professional tennis in January 2020. She made a comeback in August 2023, competing through 2024, before taking a break for the birth of her third child, Max, in July 2025. As of July 2026, Wozniacki is actively involved in tennis broadcasting for networks like TNT Sports and ESPN, and has been seen attending Wimbledon as a commentator. While she has not definitively ruled out future play, she has indicated that a full return to the WTA Tour is unlikely given her focus on her three young children.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline17 events
Wins Junior Wimbledon Title
Caroline Wozniacki had a successful junior career, winning the junior singles title at the 2006 Wimbledon Championships.
Achieves World No. 1 Ranking
Wozniacki first ascended to the WTA World No. 1 ranking, becoming the first Danish player to reach the top spot.
Wins WTA Finals
Wozniacki captured the WTA Finals title, a significant achievement in her career.
Wins Australian Open and Regains World No. 1
Wozniacki won her first Grand Slam singles title at the Australian Open, defeating Simona Halep in the final, and simultaneously reclaimed the World No. 1 ranking.
Diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Wozniacki was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic autoimmune condition that would impact her career.
Marries David Lee
Caroline Wozniacki married former NBA player David Lee in Tuscany, Italy.
First Retirement from Professional Tennis
Wozniacki officially retired from professional tennis after competing in the Australian Open, citing a desire to start a family and focus on her health.
Gives Birth to Daughter Olivia
Caroline and David Lee welcomed their first child, daughter Olivia.
Gives Birth to Son James
The couple's second child, son James, was born.
Announces Comeback to WTA Tour
Wozniacki announced her surprising return to professional tennis, stating her intention to play in Montreal, the US Open, and target the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Makes Winning Return at Canadian Open
Wozniacki made a successful return to competitive tennis at the Canadian Open in Montreal, winning her first match since her 2020 retirement.
Last Professional Match at US Open (before break)
Wozniacki last competed professionally at the US Open in 2024, reaching the fourth round, before taking a break from the tour.
Announces Third Pregnancy
Caroline Wozniacki and David Lee announced they were expecting their third child with a playful social media post.
Gives Birth to Son Max
The couple welcomed their third child, a son named Max Wozniacki Lee.
Indicates Likely End of Comeback
Wozniacki stated in a podcast that a further return to professional tennis was unlikely due to having three young children, though she didn't completely rule it out.
Participates in Wimbledon Exhibition in Central Park
Wozniacki joined Andre Agassi and other tennis stars for a Wimbledon-themed exhibition on a pop-up grass court in New York's Central Park.
Attends Wimbledon as Commentator
As of today, Caroline Wozniacki is attending Wimbledon, providing US commentary and sharing her experiences from the All England Club on social media.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Caroline Wozniacki's career has been marked by significant achievements, a battle with chronic illness, and a unique journey of retirement and comeback. After a stellar junior career, including a Wimbledon junior title in 2006, Wozniacki quickly rose through the professional ranks. She first achieved the World No. 1 ranking in October 2010, holding the top spot for a total of 71 non-consecutive weeks. Her crowning achievement came in January 2018 when she won the Australian Open, securing her first Grand Slam singles title and reclaiming the World No. 1 ranking.
In 2018, Wozniacki was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, a debilitating autoimmune disease, which became a significant factor in her decision to retire. She announced her retirement in December 2019, stating her intention to focus on life off the court, including starting a family with her husband, former NBA player David Lee, whom she married in June 2019. Her initial retirement officially took place after the 2020 Australian Open.
During her first retirement, Wozniacki embraced motherhood, welcoming her daughter Olivia in June 2021 and son James in October 2022. She also ventured into sports broadcasting, becoming an analyst for Tennis Channel and ESPN. However, in June 2023, Wozniacki surprised the tennis world by announcing a comeback to the WTA Tour, driven by a desire to show her children that it's possible to pursue dreams at any stage of life. She made a winning return at the Canadian Open in Montreal in August 2023 and reached the fourth round of the US Open that year.
Wozniacki continued to compete in 2024, with her last professional appearance being at the US Open in 2024, where she again reached the fourth round. In April 2025, she announced she was expecting her third child, and her second son, Max, was born on July 26, 2025. Following Max's birth, Wozniacki indicated in November 2025 that a further return to professional tennis was unlikely due to her commitments to her three young children, although she did not definitively close the door.
CURRENT STATUS as of 2026-07-09: As of July 2026, Caroline Wozniacki is primarily focused on her family and her role as a tennis commentator. She has been actively involved in broadcasting for TNT Sports, covering events like Roland-Garros in June 2026, and has also worked with ESPN. In June 2026, she participated in a Wimbledon exhibition event in Central Park, New York, alongside other tennis legends like Andre Agassi. Most recently, in early July 2026, Wozniacki was seen attending Wimbledon, providing US commentary and sharing stylish outfits on social media. She continues to share glimpses of her family life, including videos of her children playing tennis, on social media.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Caroline Wozniacki made different choices?