Serena Williams said after the 2022 US Open that she ‘always did love Australia’ (Picture: Getty)
Caroline Wozniacki has played down rumours of a Serena Williams comeback ahead of the 2023 Australian Open.
Tennis legend Williams, the most decorated female player in the Open Era, called time on her illustrious 27-year career following the 2022 US Open.
But the 41-year-old 23-time Grand Slam champion has since hinted at a U-turn and even went as far to claim that she is ‘not retired’ near the end of October.
Some have speculated we may see Williams back on a tennis court in 2023 for exhibition matches while others have predicted she will make a full comeback to the WTA Tour as the Australian Open gets up and running next month.
It is the first major of 2023 and if Williams were to emerge victorious, she would equal Margaret Court as the most decorated female player of all-time.
Former tennis star Wozniacki, though, who is a good friend of Williams, has played down talk of a comeback.
‘I don’t think so,’ Wozniacki told The Tennis Channel. ‘If she plays an exhibition I think that would be lucky but I don’t see her back playing on Tour.
‘There are just so many things going on. I think she loves the game so much and it’s been her life for so many years.
‘But at the same time, she is busy. I don’t think we will see her on a professional tennis court again.
‘Playing at the same time as her was tough because there were a lot of tournaments that I felt that I could have probably won if she hadn’t been in my way.
‘But at the same time what an honour it has been to have been there (on the Tour) at the same time as her because I get to play against the best player that ever played this game.
‘I think it was incredible to share a court with her, play against her and I have gained a lifelong friend along the way.’
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