Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have all paid touching tributes to Caroline Wozniacki after the former World No.1 retired from the sport on Friday.
Wozniacki lost in three sets to Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur in the third round of the Australian Open, having confirmed before the tournament that this would be her final event before stepping away from the sport.
She was given an emotional send-off at the Melbourne Arena, calling time on an illustrious career, and has been flooded with tributes – notably from three of tennis’ all-time greats.
‘Many, many congratulations on a most amazing career. I was so happy for you when you won the Australian Open and also World No.1. Of course that is the pinnacle of our sport and you did it all,’ Federer said in a video for the WTA.
‘I always enjoyed watching you play, you had a lot of battles. I was waiting sometimes to play and you were playing in front of me and your matches took forever – but that’s okay!
‘I loved watching you play. We will miss you, the WTA will miss you, the ATP will miss you, and I wish you all the very best for what’s to come and thank you for everything you’ve done for tennis.’
Djokovic added his own tribute, saying: ‘Caro, I don’t know how to say goodbye to you. I know that the moment is coming closer and closer for you.
‘We’ve known each other for a long time, and we lived in the same place for many years, so I’ve seen you jog on the street, I’ve seen you walk your dogs and I think we developed a nice friendly relationship as well.
‘You’re a fantastic person, you’ve done so much for tennis. Your contribution is very positive for the game and the game will definitely miss you.
‘I wish you and your husband David a wonderful life together – hopefully kids on the way as well! And I hope to see you come and watch us play and have fun.’
“Caro, I don’t know how to say goodbye to you.“
“Thank you for everything you’ve done for tennis.”
“I wish you all the best in your personal life. Happiness. Health.”@atptour players @rogerfederer, @DjokerNole & @RafaelNadal send messages of ❤️ to @CaroWozniacki.#CongratsCaro pic.twitter.com/JkHBtBV43n— WTA (@WTA) January 24, 2020
Nadal was equalling glowing, adding: ‘I’m very sad to make this video because everybody wants to keep watching you playing tennis. You had an amazing career and I just want to congratulate you on all the things you achieved and at the same time always being nice to everyone.
‘It has been great to share a lot of great moments with you and I wish you all the very best in your personal life, happiness, health, everything, and hope to keep seeing you around.’
