In 2018, Wozniacki was at the peak of his career as the number one female player in the world, he was suddenly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.
“I won the Australian Open in January 2018, but before the US Open, I started to feel joint pain, constantly tired and other unexplained symptoms. I started to lose matches that could win easily,” she recently shared with the press.
The Grand Slam Australian Open in 2018 tried a new challenge, joining Advantage Hers, a program that provided for women with chronic inflammatory disease, support and knowledge.
Returning in July 2020, when the Covid-19 epidemic was still at the peak, Wozniacki embarked on helping people in the same circumstances as her, inspiring other women to control their chronic inflammatory diseases and overcome physical and emotional tensions.
“Women with chronic inflammatory diseases face unique challenges when they handle concerns about life, career and family,” she said.
But to succeed with the campaign for Advantage Hers is not an easy journey and Wozniacki herself also struggled to seek the exact help she needed.
“Being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis is extremely shocking for a professional athlete,” the player shared.
She recounted the moment she knew she had to seek advice from health experts.
“On an unforgettable day, I woke up with so intense pain that my husband had to help me out of bed. I couldn't move. I immediately searched for medical assistance,” Wozniacki said. “I don't know how to make the people around me understand the unexpected and strange symptoms I have to go through. Sometimes, I feel alone.”
However, chronic disease could not discourage Wozniacki. “From my own experience, I understand the difficulties you have to go through to get a quick and accurate diagnosis. That's why I am passionate about participating in the campaign for Advantage Hers. I want to do everything in the ability to help other women around the world and in Australia, who are dealing with chronic inflammatory diseases,” she said.
“My turning point is that when I finally found a rheumatian specialist who could understand what I had experienced,” Wozniacki said. “I finally knew the reason for the inexplicable symptoms and I could start focusing on my life with new goals. It was the moment when I opened up a new person of mine.”
The message of Wozniacki with people who also encountered similar events in life is to “find the end of the tunnel” and seek the best possible support.
“One day I won the disease but one day I did not. I tried not to be angry with my body when everything was not in the right direction … I would not let it stop me,” she emphasized.
