It is unclear as to how long Caroline Wozniacki can continue playing at the top level of women’s tennis, according to her father and coach Piotr.
Piotr, who has been Wozniacki’s main coach throughout her career, has said that his team are taking things step-by-step since her diagnoses. Last year Wozniacki revealed that she has rheumatoid arthritis. A long-term autoimmune disorder that affects the joints. There is no cure for the condition which can cause swelling, stiffness and pain in numerous parts of the body. Symptoms can also include tiredness and a fever.
Wozniacki was due to play in her country’s Fed Cup tie against Poland, but had to withdraw due to health reasons. As a consequence she risks being ineligible to play at the 2020 Olympic Games. Under current rules set out by the International Tennis Federation, players must play a certain number of Fed or Davis Cup ties in order to be eligible for the Olympic Games.
“We are aware of this risk, but on the other hand, we do not know how this season will be going.” Piotr told sport.pl.
“We do not know how long Caroline will be able to play tennis. We are in a new situation, with a disease that was diagnosed last year. For now, we approach it so that we are happy that the daughter gets up for the next day and can train.”
Despite her uncertain future, the former world No.1 has refused to let her arthritis slow her down. Speaking to reporters in Melbourne last month, Wozniacki said she was managing her condition well with few setbacks. Explaining that she is now more focused on recovery and resting her body.
“For me, it’s just all the time making sure I get good massaging, good treatments, ice baths, stretching, do everything even more thoroughly than maybe in the past,” Wozniacki explained.
“I think especially as an athlete, you’re even more aware of it. You know your body even better,” she added
“It’s kind of hard to put into words, but I can definitely tell the difference whether it’s just soreness from training or soreness from that (arthritis).”
A mixed start to the season has seen Wozniacki fall from third to 10th in the WTA rankings. At the ASB Classic in Auckland, the 28-year-old was knocked out in the second round by rising star Bianca Andreescu. Then at the Australian Open, Wozniacki was lost in the third round to Maria Sharapova.
“I always say that when Caroline loses a match, she loses to her rival, who was better on that day. We never hide the fact that someone had a broken leg, a headache or other problems. We lost to a girl who just played better at that meeting.” Said Piotr.
Wozniacki will return to action next week at the Qatar Open after receiving a wildcard from the organisers.
