Serena Williams comeback hopes thwarted by former rival Wozniacki

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Caroline Wozniacki has shut down fans’ hopes that Serena Williams could make a return to professional tennis after retiring at this year’s US Open. The 23-time Grand Slam champion announced she would be “evolving away from tennis” in August and played her final match on Arthur Ashe stadium a few weeks later. She has since hinted at the possibility of a comeback but her good friend and former rival has thwarted any rumours of a return.

Williams’ legendary 27-year career came to an end at the US Open in September after the former world No 1 wrote a heartfelt letter in Vogue magazine announcing her decision to “evolve away from tennis”. In her final tournament, the 41-year-old managed to upset the second seed on her way to the third round before bowing out to Ajla Tomljanovic in three sets.

The 73-time singles title winner has been dropping hints over a potential comeback ever since, as she was asked whether she would reconsider her retirement in her post-match interview and responded: “I don’t think so, but you never know. I don’t know,” before claiming that she was “not retired” during a tech conference a few weeks later.

But her old rival and long-time friend Wozniacki has now broken fans’ hearts as she admitted she couldn’t see the tennis legend returning to a court anytime soon, claiming it would be “lucky” to even see Williams play an exhibition. “I don’t think so,” the former world No 1 said, discussing whether the American could stage a comeback on Tennis Channel.

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“If she plays an exhibition I think that would be lucky but I don’t see her back playing on tour… there are just so many things going on.” While the 2018 Australian Open champion had no doubt that the 41-year-old loved the sport, she said her old rival would just be too busy as Williams has thrown herself into her businesses after retiring.

Wozniacki continued: “I think she loves the game so much and it’s been her life for so many years. But at the same time, she is busy. I don’t think we will see her on a professional tennis court again.”

The 30-time title winner also lauded Williams’ impact on the sport and revealed that she was just as impressive off the court as she was on it. “She is just a great person,” the Dane – who retired in 2020 – explained.

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“She is not only, in my opinion, the greatest tennis player of all time that I have played against. She pushed me and all the other women to play better and step up. Also off the court, she is so thoughtful. She is the first person to call me if I went through anything to make sure I was okay. I really appreciate that.”

The friends faced off 11 times on the tour with Wozniacki getting just one win over the former world No 1 at the 2012 Miami Masters, and the 32-year-old admitted it was tough to appreciate Williams’ greatness when she was on the other side of the net. “Playing at the same time as her was tough because there were a lot of tournaments that I felt that I could have probably won if she hadn’t been in my way,” she said.

“But at the same time what an honour it has been to have been there at the same time as her because I get to play against the best player that ever played this game. I think it was incredible to share a court with her, play against her and I have gained a lifelong friend along the way.”

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