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Published 13:55 IST, January 24th 2020

Caroline Wozniacki retirement: Serena Williams, Roger Federer & others pay classy tribute

Caroline Wozniacki, who started her tennis career as an unseeded wildcard in 2005, went on to firmly establish herself as one of tennis' greats. Read on.

Reported by: Akhil Nambiar
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Caroline Wozniacki
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Caroline Wozniacki has announced retirement from professional tennis after second round defeat at the Australian Open. Wozniacki, who started her tennis career as an unseeded wildcard in 2005, went on to firmly establish herself as one of tennis' greats. Following her announcement, fellow tennis stars paid tribute to Wozniacki’s talent, recounting her prowess on the court.

Also Read | Caroline Wozniacki Slams Dayana Yastremska For Faking Injury In Australian Open Clash

Caroline Wozniacki retirement: Watch Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka and other tennis stars pay tribute

Also Read | Serena Williams Pairs Up With Caroline Wozniacki For Doubles; Netizens See The Funny Side

Caroline Wozniacki retirement: Serena Williams calls the Dane her best friend

World No. 9 Serena Williams called Wozniacki her best friend. Serena went on to say that she would sourly miss Wozniacki on the tour. The US tennis star said that her friend was doing what makes her happy and that's all that matters. Current Women’s World No. 1 Ashleigh Barty thanked Wozniacki for being an incredible competitor who did not hesitate to help her opponent on and off the court. She hailed Wozniacki for giving her 100% to the game and wished her a happy retirement.

Also Read | Caroline Wozniacki Net Worth, Salary And Why She Suddenly Retired From Tennis

Caroline Wozniacki retirement: Novak Djokovic gives best wishes to former World No 1

World No. 2 Novak Djokovic said he did not know how to say goodbye to Wozniacki. He said that he would miss Caroline Wozniacki on the tour and wished her the best in her future endeavours. Meanwhile, World No. 1 Rafael Nadal said that though everybody would love to watch her play tennis, he understood her desire to retire. He noted that Wozniacki deserved to rest and hoped to see her around.

Also Read | Rafael Nadal Kisses Ballgirl During Australian Open Win, Not Worried About Wife's Reaction

Caroline Wozniacki retirement: Simona Halep shares her experience

Simona Halep, whom Wozniacki defeated to win her sole Grand Slam, said that losing the 2018 Australian Open to her was a bad memory. She, however, said that she cherished that memory because Wozniacki was an amazing competitor and taught her a few things on the court. She wished the retiring player and her husband David a happy life. World No. 2 Karolina Pliskova kept it simple by saying that she was sad to see Wozniacki call it a day and wished the former World No. 1 a happy new life.

Also Read | Serena Williams, Caroline Wozniacki Win 1st Doubles Match

Caroline Wozniacki retirement: Federer congratulates

Roger Federer recounted an instance when he had to wait for his game because Wozniacki’s match ran long. The World No. 3 said that he didn’t mind waiting as it was always fun to watch her play. Federer congratulated Wozniacki for a fantastic career including her win at the Australian Open. In his tribute, the Swiss thanked Wozniacki for her contribution to tennis.

For Naomi Osaka, Wozniacki was the first A-list Tennis player with whom she practised. Naomi Osaka said that she was nervous about visiting the player at her home and hit the ball. Naomi Osaka said that since their first meeting, they had come a long way, developing a professional and personal bond. She wished Wozniacki a fun retirement. 

Also Read | Serena Williams Sportingly Takes Naomi Osaka's 'mom' Joke By Calling Her Olympia's Sister

 

13:55 IST, January 24th 2020