Former world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki said she is grateful she was able to fulfill her tennis dreams despite battling rheumatoid arthritis.
Wozniacki, who retired from tennis after the 2020 Australian Open, was diagnosed with the disease in 2018.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a rare disease and causes pain and swelling in bones and joints.
Last week, Wozniacki formally finished her career as she took on former world No. 1 Angelique Kerber in an exhibition match in Copenhagen.
“Playing in my final tennis match last week was nostalgic. I’m incredibly grateful and fortunate enough to live out my dreams despite living with RA. If you want to learn more about my story, I encourage you to visit AdvantageHers.com,” Wozniacki said on Instagram, per Tennis Up To Date.
Wozniacki defeated Kerber
In a meeting between two former world No. 1s, it was Wozniacki that ended up claiming victory as she beat Kerber 7-5 6-4.
“It was a fun match. It was very special to play tonight the final match against a great friend,” Wozniacki said during the on-court interview.
“It was a lot of fun. I think we’ve run a lot as I was expecting. It was a fun match. We’ve known each other since maybe we were seven or nine. It’s been a long time and obviously, we’ve known each other so well so to have her here in front of my home crowd, on my home court means a lot.”
Kerber, who had eight wins and seven losses against Wozniacki on the WTA Tour, was impressed by the level the Dane delivered during their exhibiton match.
“She was really good today. She is two years off retiring right now,” said Kerber. “We played so many tough battles in the past. We grew up on the tour. I know her very well. She achieved so much. She won Grand Slam, she’s been the best player in the world, she won so many WTA titles, and I think she’s such a champion. But I think the most important thing is she’s a great person. On-court, off-court, she’s always smiling. She’s always nice to everyone.”