'I can't wait to give kids a hug!' - Wozniacki makes long-awaited winning return after three-year absence

Caroline Wozniacki was full of emotion after she beat Kimberly Birrell at the Canadian Open in her first match in over three-and-a-half years.

The former world No. 1 retired in January 2020 to start a family but announced her highly-anticipated return in June after giving birth to two children.

In only her second appearance since the Australian Open 1,293 days ago, she will face the most recent Grand Slam champion, Marketa Vondrousova, in the round of 32.

"I'm happy," Wozniacki said, after her win. "A little tired. Just it was fun to be out there again playing on centre court in front of a big crowd.

“I'm just thrilled that I could win my first match in three and a half years. I'm just excited to be back and competing, and I think for me it's so special having my family here.

“As a 33-year-old that has played on tour for many years, and doing it with my kids that now, especially the older one is starting to really understand and gets to really experience the world and different countries, I think it's so cool."

Wozniacki admitted she didn’t have much of a plan for qualifier Birrell, but she ended up breezing through the test in straight sets.

"I didn't really know what to expect, to be honest," Wozniacki said. "You have all these things in your head that this is how you're supposed to be playing and you're supposed to be doing this and that, but to be honest, I had no idea what I was going to come up with when I was out on the court because I just haven't played a real match in so long.

"It was all about not getting down on myself if I made a mistake and not getting too excited when I hit a good shot. So it was just kind of evening out those emotions. I think everything taken into consideration, I'm very happy with how I played today and how I got through.

“The kids are doing amazing, they’re so happy to be here. They’re thriving and that makes everything else at ease for me. I can’t wait to see them and give them a hug when I get home!”

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