Caroline Wozniacki took to Instagram on October 28 to address Danish tennis analyst Peter Bastiansen, who recently ridiculed her for contemplating a return to the sport. “It is now more than 20 years that Peter Bastiansen has bullied me and attacked my personality in the media,” she stated, emphasizing his lack of understanding about her situation. “Peter, you’re a clown, and as a ‘tennis expert’ you should know the rules.”
Bastiansen, 63, had previously commented to a local outlet that it would be “a parody” if Wozniacki were to accept a wildcard for the upcoming Australian Open. Despite not competing professionally for over a year, Wozniacki has not formally announced her retirement from tennis.
“It can be difficult to keep track of [the rules] when you’ve never played at a high level yourself,” Wozniacki continued, defending her position. “I have a frozen rating of 71st in the world, which means I don’t need wildcards to enter major tournaments. After years of hard training and top-level tennis, I have the right to do what’s best for me and my family.”
In contrast, Bastiansen, who participated in the 1987 French Open, expressed confusion over Wozniacki’s reluctance to clarify her future plans. “I can’t understand why she doesn’t announce it,” he remarked. “What’s the point of not doing so?”
He further asserted, “She’s never, ever coming back to top-level tennis. That ship has sailed. Why doesn’t she just say it? All great sports stars make such announcements.”
The Australian Open's field will be revealed later this year, with the tournament set to commence on January 18. Bastiansen added, “I’ll fall off my chair if she signs up for the Australian Open in January. It will be a travesty if she does. It will simply be deeply frivolous.”
Responding to Wozniacki’s remarks, Bastiansen stated, “I won’t get into a war of words. I’ve said my piece before, and now she’s said hers — and she has every right to do so.”
Wozniacki, who married former NBA player David Lee in 2019, initially announced her retirement in 2020. She made a brief return in 2023 after welcoming her daughter Olivia in 2021 and son James in 2022, followed by son Max in July 2025.
“In recent months, I’ve realized that there is a lot more in life that I’d like to accomplish off the court,” she shared during her retirement announcement. “Getting married to David was one of those goals and starting a family with him while continuing to travel the world and helping raise awareness about rheumatoid arthritis are all passions of mine moving forward.”
