Caroline Wozniacki pushes boundaries as Tennis Channel host and commentator at Indian Wells 

INDIAN WELLS, Calif.—

Sitting in a makeup chair inside the Tennis Channel set at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, Caroline Wozniacki is all smiles. A couple of makeup and hair stylists apply final touches on the already beautiful former world No. 1. Her return to the BNP Paribas Open might look slightly different than years past, but she's still feeling champion-like as Tennis Channel's newest host and commentator.

The 2018 Australian Open champion joined TC's on-air talent in covering all the action out in the California desert. The good vibes are at an all time high and since returning to the tournament she captured back in 2011, it's been nothing but fun.

"I think everyone loves coming back here to this place and I feel so happy to be back. It's such a positive place and to be with Tennis Channel, it's been so much fun. I've learned a lot this week. I leave site every day and I feel like I've won a match," Wozniacki told Baseline.

It apparently doesn't matter if she's on the court or in the booth, she serves up aces wherever she goes. "You've been doing a terrific job, and it seems like you're settling in and getting more and more comfortable," Chanda Rubin said to Wozniacki during Tennis Channel Live last week. Despite some nerves, the Grand Slam champion is doing well and is loving this fresh perspective on the game she loves dearly.

During the first week of the 1000-level event, Wozniacki made her commentating debut on Tennis Channel alongside Pam Shriver and Lindsay Davenport. It took some getting used to, but like she so often did on the court, the Dane adapted to the new variables.

"Watching from the other side, you just learn so much. I got to spend a few days with Pam and Lindsay and they just taught me when to talk, when not to talk and showed me the ropes a little bit.

"Being at the desk has also been really fun. I think the studio is nice to be able to talk to players on the other side, and also just do more interview style. I think doing a mix of both is a lot of fun," Wozniacki says.

It's been quite the adventure in the California desert according to Wozniacki and she's soaking up every minute of it. As a tennis player, she's used to always chasing after goals and this mentality hasn't stopped since she hung up her racquets in 2020. Although life is different now, she's embracing this new chapter and is looking forward to growing beyond the baseline.

Just nine months ago, she welcomed her daughter Olivia into the world alongside her husband David Lee and she's trying to be the best mom she can be. As the two makeup artists finish off her elegant look with setting powder, her eyes reflect the bright lights from the vanity mirror in front of her. The major champion remains motivated to improve and learn in this broadcasting stage of her colorful career.

"It's not easy, but it's fun to push my boundaries and go that direction," she explains. "I just want to keep learning and keep going. Hopefully I keep improving as I get to do more matches and tournaments."

And as of now, Wozniacki plans on perfecting this portion of her profession and has no plans of jumping back onto the tour.

"It seems like a long way away, I'm very happy to be on the other side at this moment in time," Wozniacki said with a grin. "For now, I feel great where I am."