WHAT HAPPENED: Caroline Wozniacki sailed into the second round of the 2024 US Open after she dominated Nao Hibino of Japan, 6-0, 6-1, on Tuesday.
Under the unrelenting midday summer sun in New York, Wozniacki was merciless in dismissing qualifier Hibino, currently ranked No. 150. In a swift 53 minutes, Wozniacki overwhelmed Hibino, and won 81% on her first serves and clocked 10 winners en route to Round 2.
WHAT IT MEANS: While her first round may have seemed effortless, Wozniacki’s career, as of late, has been anything but.
In 2020, Wozniacki retired with plans to start a family with husband David Lee, a former NBA player. Their daughter Olivia was born in 2021 and son James came a year later.
Besides the three years spent of the pro tour, Wozniacki was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2018, forcing the 34-year-old to be selective about her tournaments and the wear-and-tear that professional play has on her body.
Wozniacki cited the physical game as her greatest obstacle since her return in her post-match interview.
“I think it's probably been physical,” Wozniacki said. “It's been the biggest challenge, something that I'm not used to. And throughout my whole career, I've had thankfully, very limited injuries and been pretty healthy throughout. But coming back and just putting your body through that extra pressure and extra stuff is definitely not easy.”
This tournament marks Wozniacki’s 15th US Open appearance, and despite all her setbacks, her display on Tuesday highlighted why she remained as the world No. 1 for 71 consecutive weeks.
Now, currently ranked at world No. 71 (maybe a lucky number for her) Wozniacki is once again looking to make a deep run in New York, where she has previously been a two-time finalist. She will face Mexico’s Renata Zarazua, ranked No. 92, in Round 2.
MATCH POINT: Should Wozniacki keep winning in the Big Apple, she could join an exclusive club of Grand Slam champions who are also mothers. As of the 2024 US Open, only two mothers have lifted the trophy at Flushing Meadows: Margaret Court was the first mom to win in Queens in 1973.
Nearly four decades later, Kim Clijsters defeated Wozniacki in straight sets in the final to become the second mother to win the US OPen. Clijsters successfully defended her title in 2010 against Vera Zvonareva, 6-2, 6-1.
