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Vinay Nayudu
Doha
Tennis star Caroline Wozniacki is one who always has a cheerful demeanour to her persona -- both on and off the court.
Two-time Grand Slam champion and twice Qatar Total Open finalist, the World No. 10 from Denmark is currently here to play in the 17th edition of the tournament. She took time off on Sunday to visit the Qatar Academy Doha - one of the Middle East’s premier educational institutions.
Wozniacki spoke of her tennis and life in general and answered the students’ questions before posing for pictures with them. The sweet gesture of Wozniacki highlights the great qualities of her character. Especially, since the 28-year-old is now battling with arthritis but continues to be a role model for all.
In October 2018, Wozniacki announced that she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. She was diagnosed with the auto-immune disease before the 2018 US Open, but was able to play through it. Wozniacki did suffer a drop in results after her diagnosis, until bouncing back in style, winning the 2018 China Open in Beijing without dropping a single set.
Last week, Wozniacki’s father Piotr, who is also her coach, said that Caroline’s career may already be on borrowed time.
Sadly, the former World No. 1’s condition is incurable and affects joints, causing swelling, stiffness and pain as well as general fatigue.
It led to frank admissions from her father that Wozniacki is now taking her career one day at a time. “We are aware of this risk, but on the other hand, we do not know how this season will be going,” Piotr has been quoted as saying.
“We do not know how long Caroline will be able to play tennis. We are in a new situation. For now, we approach it so that we are just happy that she can train the next day.”
Despite her diagnosis, Piotr insists they never must blame it for defeats. “I always say that when Caroline loses a match, she loses to her rival, who was better on that day. We lost to a girl who just played better.”
Wozniacki, who began playing tennis at the age of 7, comes from a family of sportspersons where her father played pro football in Poland and Denmark. Her mother Anna played for the Polish national’s women’s volleyball team, while her brother Patrick is a former professional footballer in Denmark.
Strangely, for an athlete like Wozniacki herself being diagnosed of arthritis is more than surprising. But the Dane, who was the first from a Scandinavian country to hold the top ranking in the Open Era, has as always shown great courage against adversity.
Now a resident of Florida in the US, Wozniacki is close friends with other tennis stars Serena Williams, Agnieszka Radwanska and Angelique Kerber. She was also one of the few stars to attend Serena’s wedding.
One can only wish her good luck and more success as we await her entertaining tennis at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex.
Doha
Tennis star Caroline Wozniacki is one who always has a cheerful demeanour to her persona -- both on and off the court.
Two-time Grand Slam champion and twice Qatar Total Open finalist, the World No. 10 from Denmark is currently here to play in the 17th edition of the tournament. She took time off on Sunday to visit the Qatar Academy Doha - one of the Middle East’s premier educational institutions.
Wozniacki spoke of her tennis and life in general and answered the students’ questions before posing for pictures with them. The sweet gesture of Wozniacki highlights the great qualities of her character. Especially, since the 28-year-old is now battling with arthritis but continues to be a role model for all.
In October 2018, Wozniacki announced that she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. She was diagnosed with the auto-immune disease before the 2018 US Open, but was able to play through it. Wozniacki did suffer a drop in results after her diagnosis, until bouncing back in style, winning the 2018 China Open in Beijing without dropping a single set.
Last week, Wozniacki’s father Piotr, who is also her coach, said that Caroline’s career may already be on borrowed time.
Sadly, the former World No. 1’s condition is incurable and affects joints, causing swelling, stiffness and pain as well as general fatigue.
It led to frank admissions from her father that Wozniacki is now taking her career one day at a time. “We are aware of this risk, but on the other hand, we do not know how this season will be going,” Piotr has been quoted as saying.
“We do not know how long Caroline will be able to play tennis. We are in a new situation. For now, we approach it so that we are just happy that she can train the next day.”
Despite her diagnosis, Piotr insists they never must blame it for defeats. “I always say that when Caroline loses a match, she loses to her rival, who was better on that day. We lost to a girl who just played better.”
Wozniacki, who began playing tennis at the age of 7, comes from a family of sportspersons where her father played pro football in Poland and Denmark. Her mother Anna played for the Polish national’s women’s volleyball team, while her brother Patrick is a former professional footballer in Denmark.
Strangely, for an athlete like Wozniacki herself being diagnosed of arthritis is more than surprising. But the Dane, who was the first from a Scandinavian country to hold the top ranking in the Open Era, has as always shown great courage against adversity.
Now a resident of Florida in the US, Wozniacki is close friends with other tennis stars Serena Williams, Agnieszka Radwanska and Angelique Kerber. She was also one of the few stars to attend Serena’s wedding.
One can only wish her good luck and more success as we await her entertaining tennis at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex.
