What gives Caroline Wozniacki an edge over other comeback queens

Former world No 1 Caroline Wozniacki will be aided in her comeback in 2024 by the matches she got under her belt late in 2023.

Wozniacki came back to the sport just before the US Open, announcing that she had secured a wildcard entry into the Grand Slam and a WTA 1000 event to boot.

With Naomi Osaka and Angelique Kerber also making comebacks after starting families, Wozniacki may have a performance edge over the other returning mums.

“Wozniacki has a bit of an advantage because she’s had matches already and played unbelievably at the US Open,” Schett said in a chat with Eurosport.

“You just have to give yourself a bit of time to get used to the environment, because you can practice as much as you want, but you don’t know how you’re reacting when you’re standing on centre court.

“I think they both have entered the Australian Open not thinking that they’re going to win it.

“They’re definitely ready to compete. Their ultimate goal will probably be to win a Grand Slam title, but not necessarily right away at the Australian Open.”

Former Wimbledon doubles champion and fellow Dane, Frederik Lochte Nielsen believes Wozniacki shouldn’t be underestimated.

“Kim Clijsters was also out, and Serena was also out when she had a child, and I think it’s somewhat underestimated how great a career she actually had when she came back,” Nielsen said

“So there are people who have done it before, and we shouldn’t impose limitations on these special individuals when they don’t even have any limitations themselves. So we should just let them do what they can.”

“It will be incredibly exciting to see. As I said, she’s not doing this just for fun, but because she believes she can compete. With the mentality she has, I wouldn’t dismiss her for anything.

“She is used to being one of the best in the world, and she certainly still sees herself that way. She hits the ball well, and she’s not doing this because she can’t pass the time, but because she feels she can be competitive.”

“She believes she can compete with the best, otherwise, she wouldn’t have done it.

“But she is a unique personality, and she has a unique mentality, so one should by no means write her off or be surprised by anything. That’s why she has been so good in the past as well. She definitely feels that she can compete with the best.”

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