Caroline Wozniacki talked about rheumatoid arthritis, which changed her life in an interview with Bild am Sonntag.
The former world number 1 player ended her professional career at the age of 29 at the Australian Open last January. She was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in spring 2018 at the peak of her career and has dealt with the illness since then. She claimed her first Grand Slam title a few months earlier at the Australian Open.
“I was at the height of my career in 2018 when I was diagnosed with the illness. I had won the Australian Open in January of that year. 2018 was supposed to be golden year, but in the run-up to the US Open I was experiencing joint pain, constant fatigue and other symptoms that I couldn’t explain. I lost games that I should have won easily. It was very difficult. I could not lift my sore arms, shoulders, elbows, hands, feet. It was very difficult for me to even comb my hair and get out of bed. One day I woke up in such severe pain that my husband had to get me out of bed. I just could not move my body. I immediately sought medical attention and that was the beginning of the disease”, said Wozniacki.
Wozniacki said that she received a lot of support from her family. Her husband encouraged her to continue looking for the cause of the illness.
“My husband and family were very supportive, but it was not always easy for them. Especially before I got my proper diagnosis, it was an emotional and physical roller coaster ride”.
Wozniacki continues to train to keep fit, although she has played tennis twice since she retired last January.
“I still work out about four times a week. Strength and conditioning is part of the training program I am following. I love taking long walks or running. I have not played much, really. I must have played about twice since I retired in January. When everything gets back to normal and the girls from the circuit are in Florida. I will play a little bit with them to catch up with everything. I recommend everyone to do everything for their health: eat as healthily as possible, get enough sleep, do sports in the gym or do yoga. Training helps me to listen into my body and to establish a connection with it. ”.
Wozniacki talked about her future and her plan to become mother.
“I know that this suffering will accompany me throughout my life. I have done a lot of research on this disease and my rhemautologist has developed a long term plan. I look forward to my future. I would like to be a mother and start a family with David. It’s my dream”.
