Caroline Wozniacki, the former world number one and 2018 Australian Open champion, will not be stepping onto the courts of Melbourne Park this year. Her name, once a fixture on the tournament’s entry list, is now absent—a silent confirmation of her decision to skip the first Grand Slam of 2025.
The Danish star has not played a competitive match since her fourth-round exit at the US Open last year, where she was bested by Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia. At the time, Wozniacki hinted that the US Open might cap her season, a sentiment that now appears to hold true as she continues to carefully manage her return to professional tennis.
A Measured Comeback
Wozniacki’s return to tennis in mid-2023 was met with excitement and curiosity. After retiring in 2020, choosing Melbourne as the site of her farewell match, her comeback was marked by flashes of brilliance. Twice, she reached the fourth round at the US Open, losing to eventual champion Coco Gauff in 2023 and Haddad Maia in 2024. She also made a couple of tour quarter-finals last season, showing she could still compete at a high level.
However, her time in Melbourne since her return has been less successful. Her sole appearance resulted in a second-round loss to Maria Timofeeva in 2024. While Wozniacki looked fit and focused in her matches last year, no official reason has been provided for her absence from this year’s Australian Open.
A Special Connection to Melbourne
Melbourne holds a unique place in Wozniacki’s career. It was here, in 2018, that she claimed her one and only Grand Slam title, defeating Simona Halep in an epic three-set final. The victory was a crowning moment, cementing her status as one of the game’s elite players.
Two years later, Melbourne was the stage for an emotional goodbye when Wozniacki retired from professional tennis. Her return to the sport in 2023 was a surprise, reigniting memories of her determined and tenacious style of play.
Uncertain Future Plans
While fans may be disappointed by her absence, Wozniacki’s careful approach to her schedule suggests a focus on long-term goals. Whether she will reappear later in the season or take a step back remains unclear, as the tennis world awaits further updates.
For now, Melbourne Park will miss the familiar sight of Wozniacki’s fierce forehand and tactical brilliance. Yet, her legacy in Australian Open history, particularly that unforgettable 2018 triumph, remains unshaken—a testament to her enduring place in the sport.
