When two-time Cymbiotika San Diego Open champion Caroline Wozniacki takes the court as a wild card this week, she’ll do so with baby daughter Olivia in tow in a nursery area behind the scenes. The arrangement allows the Danish star to juggle motherhood while staging her comeback from retirement.
“Having Olivia close on site allows me to feel at ease and focus on my tennis,” said Wozniacki. “It’s the perfect setup for me.”
The former world No. 1 and 2018 Australian Open winner stepped away from tennis after the 2020 season to start a family with husband and former NBA champion David Lee. Now with their toddler Olivia’s arrival, Wozniacki feels the timing is right to return to competition in San Diego.
“I’ve really missed the thrill of competing out there,” she admitted. “But coming back as a mom is complicated, so having an event provide childcare support means the world.”
Tournament director Will Hamilton said accommodating Wozniacki’s return made perfect sense.
“Her comeback resonates as a powerful story that inspires mothers in the workforce everywhere,” he noted, adding that a dedicated nursery space will be available for players with special family needs moving forward.
As she looks to add to her 2018 and 2019 titles this week, working mom Wozniacki hopes her journey can encourage female athletes balancing family and professional dreams.
