She’s Back! Former world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki wins on return in Montréal

GAME, SET, MATCH: Caroline Wozniacki defeats Kimberly Birrell at the 2023 Montreal Open

Bonjour! / Hi!

Caroline Wozniacki made a triumphant return to tennis after three and a half years away at the Omnium Banque Nationale, defeating Aussie qualifier Kimberly Birrell, 6-2, 6-2 to win the first match of her comeback.

"I didn't really know what to expect, to be honest," admitted Wozniacki, who won in Montréal back in 2010. "You know, 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 court because I just haven't played a real match in so long.

"For me it was all about not getting down on myself if I made a mistake and not get 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. It's not easy to win a match, and it's definitely not easy when you haven't played one in so long."

A former world No. 1, Wozniacki retired from tennis following the 2020 Australian Open has spent her time off expanding careers both personal and professional, welcoming two children and becoming a sought-after tennis analyst.

"It's funny because I was just looking at the clock, and my kids are napping right now, which is awesome. I'll catch them after doing a little treatment and food, but that's the good part about playing early: I still have the afternoon with them!"

After an impressive showing at the Roland Garros Legends Doubles event in June, the 33-year-old shocked the tennis world by announcing a full-scale comeback in a stirring Vogue editorial.

“How long will I be able to play at my highest level—a year, two years, three years?” she asked herself at the time. “I don’t know. But I know that five years from now, when the kids are in school, it will be too late. I’m not going to make any bold predictions—but if I didn’t believe in myself, I wouldn’t be doing this: I’m too competitive to just show up and not feel like I’m going to be one of the best players out there.”

She began her quest to prove that point on Tuesday against Birrell, who won a pair of qualifying matches to book her spot in the Montréal main draw, and appeared the fresher of the two when she broke in the opening service game.

"It's like riding a bike basically," Wozniacki mused. "You know, you never forget it once you're in there, but at the same time it is different. When you play the important points or when you see an opening, you get really excited, and then you may not hit it as clean, and you are like, ah, I have to start from scratch in the rally."

Wozniacki would show her return was as sharp as ever in the opening set, breaking straight back and didn’t allow Birrell a single service hold as she edged through six of the next seven games with the help of her vintage defense and counterpunching.

The second set proved equally intriguing as Wozniacki continued to turn back the clock, nailing a scintillating forehand passing shot in the fifth game and outrallying Birrell in the sixth to score a crucial break of serve.

Playing clutch tennis on key points, the 2018 Australian Open champion edged within a game of victory after saving a break point, pressuring Birrell into errors off the forehand side.

She converted her first match point with a searing backhand up the line, sending a clear message to the top of the game that she will be one to watch.

"When I'm on court, I'm there 100%. I give it my all. When I'm with my kids, it's because I've done what I need to do on court, and I'm 100% with my kids. I don't have my phone. I don't do anything else. I'm there with them. It's really worked out great, and I think it gives me such a different perspective just of life, and I just love it. I love being a parent. I love being a mom. It's the greatest gift.

"So I try and just enjoy every moment because the kids are growing up so fast. It's crazy."

Awaiting Wozniacki in the next round could be reigning Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova: the No. 9 seed will face Egypt’s Mayar Sherif later in the day.