Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Caroline Wozniacki

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Caroline Wozniacki made an impact.

Caroline Wozniacki is a highly accomplished Danish professional tennis player. She achieved the world No. 1 ranking in women's singles, holding the top spot for 71 weeks. Her career highlights include winning 30 WTA Tour-level singles titles. Most notably, she secured a Grand Slam victory at the 2018 Australian Open and triumphed at the 2017 WTA Finals, solidifying her status as one of the sport's elite players.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1986: First Danish Woman to Reach WTA Semifinal

In October 2007, Wozniacki made the semifinals of the Japan Open in Tokyo, becoming the first Danish woman to reach a WTA semifinal since Tine Scheuer-Larsen at Bregenz in 1986.

October 2003: ITF Junior Circuit Debut

In October 2003, at the age of 13 years and 3 months, Wozniacki debuted on the ITF Junior Circuit.

2004: First Singles Titles

In 2004, Wozniacki won her first four singles events, building a win streak of five tournaments and 27 matches, before a loss in April.

July 2005: WTA Tour Debut

On July 19, 2005, Wozniacki made her debut on the WTA Tour at Cincinnati's Western & Southern Open, losing in the first round.

2006: Wimbledon Girls' Singles Title

In 2006, Wozniacki won the Wimbledon girls' singles title, beating Magdaléna Rybáriková in the final.

2006: Wimbledon Championships Junior Title

In 2006, Wozniacki won the junior title at the Wimbledon Championships.

2007: First Grand Slam Opening-Round Exit

At the Wimbledon, she lost to Austrian Tamira Paszek in the first round in 2007. It was her first opening-round exit from any Grand Slam since making her professional debut at the 2007 French Open.

2007: First Meeting with Radwańska

Caroline Wozniacki and Agnieszka Radwańska first met at the 2007 Nordic Light Open, with Radwańska winning.

2007: Worst Year-End Ranking Since 2007

Caroline Wozniacki finished the year with her worst year-end ranking since 2007, ending the year at No. 17.

2007: Signed with Adidas

In 2007, Caroline Wozniacki signed an endorsement deal with Adidas for clothing, footwear, and apparel.

2007: First Season Without Winning a Title Since 2007

In 2019, Caroline Wozniacki ended her season without winning a title, marking the first time since 2007 that she had not won a title in a season.

February 2008: Falls Out of Top 50 For First Time Since February 2008

After losing in the first round of Wimbledon to Svetlana Kuznetsova, Caroline Wozniacki fell out of the top 50 in the WTA rankings for the first time since February 2008.

May 2008: Ranking Falls to Lowest Since May 2008 Due to Ankle Injury

Due to an ankle injury sustained during practice, Caroline Wozniacki had to take a break from clay-court tournaments in 2016. As a result, her ranking fell from 22 to 34, marking the lowest she'd been ranked since May 2008.

2008: First Time Since Failing to Reach Grand Slam Quarterfinals

At the US Open in 2013, Wozniacki lost in the third round, marking the first time since 2008 that she had failed to reach the quarterfinals or better at one of the four Grand Slam tournaments.

2008: WTA Newcomer of the Year

In 2008, Wozniacki was named the WTA Newcomer of the Year.

November 2009: Wozniacki Held No. 1 Ranking

Caroline Wozniacki held the No. 1 ranking at different times between November 2009 and January 2012.

2009: First Meeting with Serena Williams

Caroline Wozniacki and Serena Williams first met at the 2009 Sydney International, with Williams winning in three tight sets.

2009: Advances to Second Grand Slam Final at the US Open

In 2009, Caroline Wozniacki advanced to her second Grand Slam final, marking her first since the 2009 US Open, after her opponent, Peng Shuai, retired due to a heat-related illness during their semifinal match.

2009: Endorsement for Adidas by Stella McCartney

In 2009, Caroline Wozniacki became an endorser for the tennis apparel line designed by Stella McCartney for Adidas.

2009: US Open Final

In 2009, Wozniacki contested a major final at the US Open.

2009: Reaches Quarterfinals of Mutua Madrid Open for First Time Since 2009

In 2009, Wozniacki reached the quarterfinals of the Mutua Madrid Open for the first time since 2009 by beating Jarmila Gajdošová, Christina McHale and Agnieszka Radwańska.

2009: Eastbourne Title Win

In 2009, Wozniacki won her second title of the year on the grass of Eastbourne, defeating Virginie Razzano in the final.

2009: WTA Tour Championships Qualification

Wozniacki qualified for the year-end WTA Tour Championships in Doha for the first time in 2009. She advanced to the semifinals but retired due to injury.

2009: First Defeat to Azarenka

Wozniacki reached the quarterfinals of the Western & Southern Open in 2013, but was defeated by Victoria Azarenka for the first time since 2009.

October 2010: Only Match Against Reigning No. 1

Wozniacki's match against Dinara Safina at the Madrid Open final was Wozniacki's only match against a reigning No. 1 before she became world No. 1 in October 2010.

December 2010: Endorsement deal with Turkish Airlines

On December 20, 2010, Caroline Wozniacki signed a three-year deal to endorse Turkish Airlines' business class service.

2010: Lowest Ranking Since 2010

Following a loss to Jelena Janković at the Indian Wells Open in 2014, Wozniacki fell to world No. 18, her lowest ranking since 2010.

2010: Year-End World No. 1

In 2010, Caroline Wozniacki was the year-end world No. 1 in women's singles by the WTA.

2010: US Open Semifinal and Grand Slam Achievement

In 2010, Wozniacki reached the US Open semifinals and became one of two women to reach at least the fourth round of all four Grand Slam events that year.

2010: WTA Tour Championships Final

In 2010, Wozniacki reached the final at the WTA Tour Championships and became the world No. 1.

2010: Home Tournament Loss in Copenhagen

In 2010, Wozniacki reached the final of her home tournament in Copenhagen but lost to Angelique Kerber, marking her first loss at the tournament since its start.

2010: Advances to the WTA Finals Since 2010

In 2017, Caroline Wozniacki advanced to the final of the WTA Finals for the first time since 2010, where she had finished as the runner-up.

2010: Reaches French Open Quarterfinals For the First Time Since 2010

In 2017, Caroline Wozniacki reached the quarterfinals of the French Open for the first time since 2010 after defeating former champion Svetlana Kuznetsova in the fourth round. However, she lost to eventual champion Jeļena Ostapenko in the quarterfinals.

2011: Highest Year-End Ranking Since 2011

By winning the WTA Finals, Caroline Wozniacki moved up to world No. 3, which was her highest year-end ranking since 2011.

2011: Racquet Change and Season Start

During the off season, Wozniacki switched her racquet make from Babolat to Yonex, and began her 2011 season with an exhibition match in Thailand against Kim Clijsters, where she lost in a super tie-break.

2011: Endorsement with Yonex

From 2011 to 2013, Caroline Wozniacki signed an endorsement deal with Yonex for racquets, using the Yonex VCORE racquet.

2011: Reaches Clay Court Final for First Time Since 2011

In 2011, Caroline Wozniacki reached her first clay court final since 2011 at Stuttgart after defeating Simona Halep in the semifinals. However, she lost the final to Angelique Kerber in three sets.

2011: Year-End World No. 1

In 2011, Caroline Wozniacki was the year-end world No. 1 in women's singles by the WTA.

2011: Quarterfinal Loss in Beijing

In 2011, Wozniacki lost to Flavia Pennetta in the quarterfinals of the Beijing tournament. This was her only loss in the 12 quarterfinals she reached that year.

2011: Defeats Samantha Stosur at US Open

In 2018, Caroline Wozniacki defeated 2011 champion Samantha Stosur in straight sets at the US Open before losing in the second round to Lesia Tsurenko.

2011: Advances to Australian Open Semifinal Since 2011

In January 2018, Caroline Wozniacki advanced to her second Australian Open semifinal since 2011.

January 2012: Wozniacki Held No. 1 Ranking

Caroline Wozniacki held the No. 1 ranking at different times between November 2009 and January 2012.

2012: Highest Seeding Since 2012

At the Australian Open in January 2018, Caroline Wozniacki was seeded second, which was her highest seeding since 2012.

2012: First Premier-Level Title Since 2012

Caroline Wozniacki's win at the 2016 Pan Pacific Open marked her first Premier-level title since 2012.

2012: Wins Two WTA Tour Titles in a Single Season for the First Time Since 2012

Caroline Wozniacki's win at the Hong Kong Open in 2016 marked the first time since 2012 that she had won two WTA Tour titles in a single season.

2012: Endorsement of Compeed BlisterPatch

In 2012, Caroline Wozniacki became an endorser of Compeed BlisterPatch.

2012: First Win Over Seeded Player Since 2012 and Premier-Level Title Since 2012

In 2012, Caroline Wozniacki had her first win over a seeded player at a grand slam since 2012. Also, in 2012, she won her first Premier-level title since 2012.

2012: Lost to Radwańska at Sydney International

In 2012, Caroline Wozniacki lost to Agnieszka Radwańska at the Sydney International in three sets.

2012: First Win Over Serena Williams

In 2012, Caroline Wozniacki secured her only win over Serena Williams at the Miami Open in straight sets.

2012: Australian Open Quarterfinals and Loss of Top Ranking

In 2012, Wozniacki competed at the Australian Open as the top seed, reaching the quarterfinals before losing to Kim Clijsters, resulting in her loss of the world No. 1 ranking.

2012: Hopman Cup and Sydney International

In 2012, Wozniacki represented Denmark at the Hopman Cup and later played at the Sydney International, where she lost in the quarterfinals to Agnieszka Radwańska.

October 2013: Hired Thomas Högstedt as Coach

In October 2013, Caroline Wozniacki hired Thomas Högstedt as her coach.

2013: First Meetings with Karolína Plíšková

In 2013, Caroline Wozniacki had one of her first meetings with Karolína Plíšková, which Wozniacki won in three sets.

2013: Lost to Sharapova at Indian Wells Open Final

In 2013, Caroline Wozniacki lost to Maria Sharapova in the final at the Indian Wells Open, marking their only meeting in a final.

2013: Lost to Halep at New Haven Open

In 2013, Caroline Wozniacki lost to Simona Halep at the New Haven Open at Yale in straight sets.

2013: End of Yonex Racquet Deal

In 2013, Caroline Wozniacki's endorsement deal with Yonex for racquets ended.

2013: First Premier Mandatory Final Since 2013

In 2017, Caroline Wozniacki advanced to her first Premier Mandatory final since 2013 at the Miami Open, where she lost to Johanna Konta in straight sets.

January 2014: Parted ways with Thomas Högstedt; hired Michael Mortensen

In January 2014, Caroline Wozniacki parted ways with Thomas Högstedt and hired Michael Mortensen as her coach.

March 2014: Cut ties with Michael Mortensen

In March 2014, Caroline Wozniacki cut ties with Michael Mortensen and decided to be coached again by her father, Piotr, for the rest of her career.

2014: Return to Babolat Racquets

From 2014, Caroline Wozniacki began to use the Babolat Pure Aero racquet again.

2014: Rivalry Reached Its Peak

In 2014, Caroline Wozniacki and Serena Williams met four times with Williams winning all of them, including the US Open final where Williams won her 18th Grand Slam title.

2014: Won against Sharapova at US Open and WTA Finals

In 2014, Caroline Wozniacki beat Maria Sharapova in three sets at the US Open and then again at the WTA Finals in a match lasting over three hours.

2014: Continued Success Against Karolína Plíšková

In 2014, Caroline Wozniacki continued her winning streak against Karolína Plíšková, securing another victory in three sets.

2014: Won against Radwańska at Western & Southern Open

In 2014, Caroline Wozniacki won against Agnieszka Radwańska at the Western & Southern Open in straight sets.

2014: US Open Final

In 2014, Wozniacki contested a major final at the US Open.

2014: Rogers Cup and Western & Southern Open

In 2014, Wozniacki reached the quarterfinals of the Rogers Cup, losing to Serena Williams, and the semifinals of the Western & Southern Open, also losing to Williams.

2014: Advances to Third Grand Slam Final Since 2014

In January 2018, Caroline Wozniacki reached her third Grand Slam final since 2014 after defeating Elise Mertens in the semifinals of the Australian Open.

March 2015: First Title Since March 2015 at the Pan Pacific Open

Caroline Wozniacki won her first title since March 2015 at the Pan Pacific Open in 2016, defeating Naomi Osaka in the final. This was her 24th WTA Tour title.

2015: Endorsement of Godiva Chocolatier

In 2015, Caroline Wozniacki became an endorser of Godiva Chocolatier.

2015: Lost to Halep at Dubai Tennis Championships

In 2015, Caroline Wozniacki lost to Simona Halep at the Dubai Tennis Championships in three sets.

2016: Lost to Radwańska at Wuhan Open and China Open

In 2016, Caroline Wozniacki lost to Agnieszka Radwańska at the Wuhan Open and the China Open in straight sets.

2016: Various Tournament Results in Early 2016

In 2016, Caroline Wozniacki participated in several tournaments. She lost in the second round of the St. Petersburg Ladies' Trophy to Dominika Cibulková. At the Qatar Ladies Open, she won her first two matches but lost in the third round. She also played in the Monterrey Open and the BNP Paribas Open, facing losses in the quarterfinals and second round, respectively. At the Miami Open, she won her first match but lost to Elina Svitolina.

2016: Loss at the Australian Open and Auckland Open

In 2016, Caroline Wozniacki started the year at the Auckland Open, where she lost in the semifinals to Sloane Stephens. She then competed in the Australian Open and lost in the first round, marking her worst performance at the tournament.

2016: Results at Auckland Open and Sydney International in 2017

In 2017, Caroline Wozniacki lost in the quarterfinals of the Auckland Open to Julia Görges. She then played at the Sydney International, where she lost in the quarterfinals to Barbora Strýcová.

2017: Reaches Six Finals and Returns to Top 5

In 2017, Caroline Wozniacki reached six finals, although she lost in all of them. During the Rogers Cup in Toronto, she won her first ever match in Toronto by defeating Ekaterina Alexandrova, also in the quarterfinals she defeated the current world No. 1 for the first time, Karolina Plíšková. Her performance brought her back into the top 5 in WTA rankings.

2017: Won against Radwańska at Qatar Ladies Open and Rogers Cup

In 2017, Caroline Wozniacki won against Agnieszka Radwańska at the Qatar Ladies Open and the Rogers Cup in straight sets.

2017: WTA Finals Win

In 2017, Caroline Wozniacki won the WTA Finals.

2017: Rivalry Intensifies with Karolína Plíšková

In 2017, the rivalry between Wozniacki and Plíšková intensified, with six matches played and a 3-3 head-to-head record. Key moments included Plíšková's win at the 2017 Qatar Ladies Open, Wozniacki's victory at the 2017 Miami Open, Plíšková's title at the 2017 Eastbourne International, and Wozniacki's win at the 2017 WTA Finals.

January 2018: Wins First Grand Slam Title and Regains World No. 1 Ranking

In January 2018, Caroline Wozniacki won her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open after defeating Simona Halep in the final, and regained the world No. 1 ranking on January 29, 2018, after a gap of six years.

October 2018: Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis

In October 2018, Caroline Wozniacki announced her diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, expressing her desire to become a role model for others with the condition.

2018: Won Australian Open against Halep

In 2018, Caroline Wozniacki defeated Simona Halep in three sets at the Australian Open final to win her first Grand Slam title and become world No. 1.

2018: Partnership with Lympo

In 2018, Caroline Wozniacki entered into a partnership with Lympo, a healthy lifestyle motivation app.

2018: Withdraws from Washington and Retires in Cincinnati

In 2018, Caroline Wozniacki withdrew from the Washington tournament due to a right leg injury. Later, in Cincinnati, she retired from her first match due to a left knee injury.

2018: Australian Open Win

In 2018, Caroline Wozniacki won a major at the Australian Open.

2018: Loss at 2018 WTA Finals

In 2018, Wozniacki was upset by Plíšková in straight sets at the round robin of the 2018 WTA Finals.

December 2019: Announces Retirement After 2020 Australian Open

On December 6, 2019, Caroline Wozniacki announced that she would retire from professional tennis after the 2020 Australian Open in January.

2019: Lost to Sharapova at Australian Open

In 2019, Caroline Wozniacki and Maria Sharapova's most recent meeting was at the Australian Open, where Sharapova won in three sets.

2020: Retirement from Tennis

In 2020, Wozniacki retired from professional tennis following the Australian Open.

2020: Announces Retirement After 2020 Australian Open

On December 6, 2019, Caroline Wozniacki announced that she would retire from professional tennis after the 2020 Australian Open in January.

2020: Defensive Style Acknowledged

Upon her retirement in 2020, Caroline Wozniacki was described by The Guardian as "one of the most defensive players to ever reach No. 1".

2022: Commentator Role

In 2022, Wozniacki became a commentator for Tennis Channel and ESPN.

June 2023: Announcement of Return to Pro Tennis

In June 2023, Caroline Wozniacki announced her return to professional tennis via an essay in Vogue, planning to start at the North American summer hardcourt swing.

2023: Professional Comeback

In 2023, Wozniacki began a professional comeback at the Canadian Open and the US Open.

2024: Second Round at Australian Open

Caroline Wozniacki eyed a return at the 2024 Australian Open, where she subsequently reached the second round.

2024: Injury at Bad Homburg and Wimbledon Performance

In 2024, Caroline Wozniacki reached the quarterfinals in Bad Homburg before injuring her knee, and later reached the third round at Wimbledon.

2024: Olympic Wildcard and Mixed Doubles Plans

In 2024, Caroline Wozniacki received an Olympic wildcard for the women’s singles competition at the 2024 Summer Olympics and planned to partner with Holger Rune for the mixed doubles event.