Tennis icon Jennifer Capriati made a rare public appearance to unveil the trophy before the Australian Open women’s final on Saturday night. The 49-year-old former world No. 1 has kept a low profile since her retirement from the sport over two decades ago, occasionally sharing her thoughts on social media during grand slam events.
Capriati graced the packed Rod Laver Arena to present the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup ahead of the much-anticipated match between Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina. For Capriati, it was a heartfelt return, reflecting on her illustrious career as she shared the moment with the enthusiastic crowd. “I just have so much gratitude … I’ve had 20 years to reflect on it, and it’s just great to be back. I’m honoured to be back. It’s been a journey,” she shared with the Tennis Channel.
The legendary player, who was once considered the original teenage tennis prodigy, first made waves in the sport at just 13 years old. She quickly rose to prominence, achieving remarkable feats including reaching grand slam semi-finals by age 14 and securing a gold medal at the 1992 Olympics. However, her career faced challenges due to personal struggles which led to a break from tennis for over a year.
Capriati’s return to tennis in 1999 marked a resurgence that saw her capture three grand slam titles, including two Australian Open victories. Despite retiring early at 28 due to injuries, her impact on the sport remains significant. Her legacy includes memorable matches, notably one that contributed to the eventual implementation of line-calling technology in tennis.
Fellow tennis legend Lindsay Davenport expressed her delight at seeing Capriati back in the spotlight, noting that the players in the current final would be inspired by her presence.
Even after two decades away from the court, Capriati’s love for the game shines through. Inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame in 2012, her reemergence at such a prominent event serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy she has left in the world of tennis and provides hope for fans that she may continue to play a role in the sport moving forward.