Caroline Wozniacki returns to tennis with a victory: former world No 1 wins opening-round match at Canada’s National Bank Open… her first game since retiring in 2020

Former World No 1 Caroline Wozniacki made her triumphant return to the court in fantastic style as she knocked off Australian qualifier Kimberly Birrell 6-2 6-2 on Tuesday in the first round of the National Bank Open in Montreal.

It was the first match in three and a half years for Wozniacki, after her retirement following the 2020 Australian Open.

‘Definitely a little rusty, but what an amazing place to come back and play my first match,’ Wozniacki said after the match.

Wozniacki, is married to former NBA player David Lee, gave birth to two children during her hiatus and has been able to get her battle with rheumatoid arthritis under control. 

Before retiring, she won 30 singles titles, including the 2018 Australian Open, and earned over $35 million in total prize money.

Caroline Wozniacki recorded a win on her return to the court at the National Bank Open 

Wozniacki defeated Australian qualifier Kimberly Birrell 6-2 6-2 in their first-round matchup

On Tuesday, Birrell hit more winners (16 to 13) but Wozniacki saved six of eight break points while controlling most of the match.

Wozniacki, from Denmark, will play either Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova, the No 9 seed from the Czech Republic, or Egypt’s Mayar Sherif in the second ground.

American Danielle Collins was in strong form as she rolled to a 6-2 6-2 victory over red-hot Elina Svitolina of Ukraine.

Collins had a 16-12 edge in winners. The 2022 Australian Open finalist had to qualify to reach the main draw for the first time since 2019 in Sydney.

Wozniacki was previously retired for more than three years following 2020 Australian Open

‘I had two tough matches in the qualifying, so I got a lot of time on court, which is kind of what I needed, not having a lot of matches this year,’ Collins said.

‘So, after playing a few long matches, I really feel in rhythm, and I felt like today I was really on with my shots and was able to take control of the points early and get off to a good start. Then I was able to really just keep the momentum going forward.’

Svitolina, who recently returned to the WTA Tour after giving birth, received a wild card into the tournament.

Elsewhere, No 10 seed Daria Kasatkina of Russia cruised to a 6-4 6-2 victory over Elise Mertens of Belgium. No 11 seed Beatriz Haddad Maia of Brazil also won 6-4 6-2, slipping past Poland’s Magdalena Frech.