Major Champ Caroline Wozniacki Has Another New Title: Aunty

By Volvo Car Open Apr 6, 2019 03:37pm ET

It’s been two years since Caroline Wozniacki has played the Volvo Car Open, and while you may think the first thing she would like you to know about her since then is that she’s now a Grand Slam champion (we’ll get to that, we promise), it’s actually not.

“I’ve become an aunty for a first time,” Wozniacki, now 28, said. “I’m the godmother of little Nico, my brother’s son.”

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When Caro is not FaceTiming with Nico or playing with him at home in Denmark, she’s been on tour and – as we alluded to – the last 18 months have been memorable for her, highlighted by winning the WTA Finals in 2017 and then her maiden major at the Australian Open in January of last year.

The long-awaited victory propelled her back to world No. 1 seven years after she achieved the ranking for a first time.

“Getting to the Australian Open title was such a journey – and I don’t just mean to the final,” she explained. “I became the world No. 1 when I was 20 and achieved so much when I was younger… that all came really fast. It felt normal. Getting a Slam took a long time. I had to battle through a lot of injuries. When it happened, I can’t describe it… it was amazing.”

Not yet 30, Wozniacki has had a career many would drool over: thirty titles while playing on the WTA, capped by that Australian Open triumph. She was champion here on Daniel Island in 2011 as the world No. 1. She’s become a global sporting icon, finished the New York City Marathon (in 2014) in less than three and a half hours and is engaged to former NBA player, David Lee.

“David and I are just there for each other,” said Wozniacki, who has kept the details of their pending nuptials private. “We have one another’s back, whether it’s sports- wise or not. That’s the biggest thing. He’s my best friend. I’m excited to marry my best friend.”

Wozniacki is also excited to be back in the Lowcountry, making her sixth appearance here, where she not only captured the title in 2011, but also reached the finals in 2009, semifinals in 2010 and quarterfinals in 2013 and 2017.

First stop when she touches down in Charleston? Halls Chophouse.

“I love to explore the restaurant scene… There are so many good options,” she said. “[The Volvo Car Open] is a cozy, nice tournament. The fans really love coming out to support us. Playing on that center court is really special. The town is historic, beautiful.”

SEE MORE: Photos of Caroline on the Court – and Off of It

Wozniacki would like to make more history when she hits the court, but she says there is no great secret to what she does. She revels in the hard work – and still puts it in daily.

“I just try to enjoy what I do,” she said. “I love the work and I now know that regardless of what happens on the court, I can look at myself in the mirror and be proud of my efforts because I’ve given it everything that I’ve got.”

Sounds like a lesson she’ll try and pass onto little Nico, too.