Despite being one of the most popular sports in the world, tennis, unlike team sports, can be a lonely place to be for its stars. Therefore, many players find friends for life while they are on the Tour. Caroline Wozniacki, who is en route to a comeback, has found a great friend in Serena Williams. The Queen of the Court started her time on tour, accompanied by her elder sister. However, she found more friends as she rose in her tennis career.
As Wozniacki is about to play tennis again, she will find immense cheers from her fiercest competitor and best friend.
The origins of friendship between Serena Williams and Caroline Wozniacki
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Williams and Wozniacki were fierce competitors when the Danish player rose to prominence. However, their competition did not stop them from building an everlasting bond with each other. The two greats of the WTA have been close friends for quite a long time.
Among the many occasions they have played against each other, Wozniacki suffered an especially difficult defeat in the WTA Finals of 2014. Williams beat her in three sets, and the Danish player was not happy after the match.
When Williams went to see her in the locker room, she apologized, but Wozniacki burst out at her and asked her if she would retire since she was 33 at the time. However, an endearing note by Williams made it better for the 2018 Australian Open champion.
Serena is obviously close with her sister Venus; she built a similarly important bond with the Danish player. Chris Evert had the first-hand experience of watching their bond bloom. She recalls that although the two have starkly different personalities, they have a lot in common and get along rather well.
The two players used to often share their strategies together but never played when not in tournaments. Williams suggested it once, but Wozniacki shut down the idea, wanting to relax on vacation.
Personal moments and bonding
While the two obviously share a sparkling bond due to tennis, they have an even bigger bond off-court. In a joint interview with Vogue in 2015, the two legends talked about how their lives have changed since they formed a bond.
In 2012, Wozniacki stuffed her bra and skirt to imitate Williams. The 23-time grand slam champion was not offended by the move and Wozniacki also stated that she wouldn’t have done it if the two weren’t friends.
Additionally, a moment of their friendship also shined through during the interview. Williams talked about how she complains a lot in general. Using a mock-horrified tone, Wozniacki said, “No, You do that?”.
Caroline Wozniacki on Serena Williams supporting her return to tennis:
“Serena & I had dinner a few weeks ago, & when I told her my plan she said ‘Wow, good for you. I’m going to cheer you on every step of the way & if you ever need anything, I’m here’ She’s always been there”❤️ pic.twitter.com/4aQAZK7MW7
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) June 29, 2023
The interview began by talking about the unfortunate split of Wozniacki with golfer Rory McIlroy. The two were engaged, and McIlroy called it off over a phone call. Wozniacki decided to isolate herself in order to get over the heartbreak and found it difficult to deal with the issue. Fortunately, she was not alone. The Queen of the Court did not leave her side. Williams even threatened to fly to her and beat her door down if she wouldn’t answer.
She decided to answer and further said, “And I am so glad I did. She wasn’t pitying me, like a lot of people were. I mean, it’s not like anyone died. I was in shock, but she was really helpful because she had been through it before. She didn’t sugarcoat it, and she didn’t look down on me. She was really there for me when I needed her the most, and that’s why I think our friendship is so strong now.”
Not long after, the two were at Williams’ Palm Beach Gardens house, sitting and giggling as the two relished their time together.
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Being each other’s biggest fans
Along with being great friends, the two are also big fans of each other. Williams was still playing when Wozniacki announced her retirement. After both lost in the third round, Wozniacki hung up the racket. When asked about Wozniacki’s retirement, she cried after hearing Wozniacki’s message.
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Williams said she approached Wozniacki after the match, and they talked for a few minutes. Williams said that, while every tennis player and admirer was aware of Wozniacki’s retirement, she would miss her on the court and in the locker room.
"I'm gonna miss her. I can't answer Caroline questions. I'm gonna be crying."
We'll share our tissues, @serenawilliams 🤗#AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/Tc37jcMV1o
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 24, 2020
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Now that Williams is retired and Wozniacki is back, the Queen of the Court has nothing but support for the Danish player. In fact, she is one of the biggest reasons she has decided to step back on tour. The Dane revealed her plans to the American over a dinner, which was followed by immense support from Williams.
The two have shown time and again their bond. One can witness the love the two harbor for each other, and they will see it again as Williams will cheer her on the loudest.