In an individual sport like tennis, success is often accompanied by on-court rivalry. However, it’s also true that it takes real sportsmanship to become friends with fellow players. Legends like Martina Navratilova-Chris Evert, Roger Federer-Rafael Nadal, and Serena Williams-Caroline Wozniacki are solid proof of great friendship amid on-court rivalry. Recently, a former World No. 1 Danish player made her comeback after giving birth to two children, and she consulted her best friend, Serena, before announcing her decision.
The 23x Grand Slam champion, who has remained a pillar of strength for the Danish professional, had a sweet message for her grand comeback. Serena expressed her love for her best friend by sending a high-on-energy comment about Wozniacki.
Serena Williams drops a heartwarming message for Wozniacki
Tennis mamas are ruling the court with their comebacks, proving that a career does not end with motherhood. For instance, Elina Svitolina rocked her comeback by reaching the semi-final of Wimbledon Champions soon after she gave birth. The former number one, too, returned to the game after taking her own time to figure out what she wanted.
Caroline Wozniacki, a mom of two kids, shared her first win as a mother through an Instagram post. The Dane entered the professional game by participating in the Canadian Open. She registered a straight-set win in her first round against Kimberly Birrell. The 33-year-old wrote on her Instagram, “3 years, 8 Months, 2 kids later! We are back baby!! Feels good to get the W today! 💪🏻.”
Serena was among the first ones to congratulate her. She commented, “Love it.” The mommy-to-be usually does not leave comments unless it is for someone whom she loves the most, and Woznicki is on the list. The duo had been friends for over 9 years, and ironically, it all started with a rivalry.
The inspirational bond between the former WTA No. 1s
The 33-year-old once lost to straight sets in a match with Momma Smash. She was devastated, and Serena met her in the locker room after the match to console her. That was probably the only professional loss that turned into a personal gain for the Dane. The two have become best friends over the course of time and supported each other like sisters.
When Wozniacki announced her retirement, Serena said that she would miss her and refused to take any questions about her best friend. The tennis G.O.A.T. was afraid it would break her heart to talk about her best friend bidding goodbye to the game that brought them together.
Golfer Rory McIlroy, the Dane’s ex-fiance, called off their engagement over a phone call. Here, it was Serena who helped her best friend overcome the grief. They were inseparable ever since, and with Serena now retired, she can cheer for her best friend without any boundaries. Wozniacki lost in her second to Marketa Vondrousova and is waiting to play her next tournament.