Not players can find their footing after taking a long break from the sport, especially after a pregnancy hiatus. Though Caroline Wozniacki tried her level best to defeat those chances, her track record from the 2024 season hasn’t done her much favors. Fans hoped that the Danish star would return stronger and script a noteworthy comeback in the ongoing season but, to much distress, a troubling update surrounding her year-opening act was recently aired.

The Dane came out of her retirement in July 2023 after three years of no-show on the WTA. The mother of two, renowned for her envy-worthy footwork, is the first Scandinavian player to become the WTA ranking leader. While the tennis dynamo is widely regarded for her 30 singles tour-level crowns, including a Major title that came at the 2018 Melbourne Slam and two final finishes at the US Open, Wozniacki’s recent results have remained underwhelming at best.

Despite stunningly returning to the circuit following her retirement decision to start a family, fans are yet to see her riveting form in action, which so far, has remained as a shadow of her former self. She couldn’t move past the third round – fourth at best – at any tour-level event on the WTA last year. After confirming that the Flushing Meadows Slam would likely account for her final appearance for the 2024 calendar, the community was eagerly waiting for her to step back into play. However, those expectations will have to take a backseat.

According to the latest report, Wozniacki silently withdrew from the upcoming Australian Open, slated to commence on January 12, due to unspecified reasons. Fans took notice of the update after seeing her name crossed off the tournament’s entry list. The World No. 70 gained direct entry into the Happy Slam owing to her protected ranking. But now, her spot will be filled by World No. 101 Yuliia Starodubtseva.

Before jumping to any conclusions, it is worth noting that the Danish sensation has been tackling several battles on different fronts, which includes her struggles with physical constraints.

Caroline Wozniacki opens up about poignant rheumatoid arthritis journey

Danish superstar Caroline Wozniacki was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2018. The ailment, known for its unpredictable nature, is a tough struggle to navigate through and, almost always, promises a physical hurdle. While she has taken notable strides to tackle the situation, the former World No. 1 had to be more selective in choosing her tournament schedule to avoid the possibility of a serious health scare.

After returning to the 2023 New York Slam for her first Major appearance in three years, Wozniacki addressed her physical health during a conversation with the reporters in Flushing Meadows: “My body has not been cooperating 100% the way I wanted it to. I’ve been a little unlucky with a few injuries here and there but … I’m not 20 years old anymore, so I guess that’s to be expected. I think when I was younger, I would probably be a bit more panicked. I’m not panicking. I know my game. I know what I need to do. It’s not as vital for me to be playing every week.”

Following her surprise withdrawal from the Melbourne Slam, fans will have to wait and see her upcoming calendar agenda for the 2025 season.