Wozniacki’s arthritis mission
World No 3 Caroline Wozniacki is hoping to raise awareness for rheumatoid arthritis during her time in New Zealand.
The ASB Classic’s top seed arrived in New Zealand yesterday, after a delayed journey from Florida. She’s set for a match tomorrow night against a qualifier.
Two months ago Wozniacki announced that she had been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation, pain and swelling in the joints.
After coming through the arrivals gate at Auckland Airport, Wozniacki said she hopes to use her celebrity status as a way to increase public knowledge of the disease, which affects 25 million people around the world.
‘‘You have a big platform when you do what I do and I think there are so many ways you can do that [raise awareness],’’ she said.
‘‘We’re figuring that out. First of all just saying I have rheumatoid arthritis already helps a lot of people.
‘‘A lot of people have reached out to me, to tell me that they have the same or someone in their family does.
‘‘There are more people who have it than you think.’’
Wozniacki said she has had to make adjustments to her lifestyle to deal with the disease, for which there is no cure for.
‘‘I’m managing it,’’ she said. ‘‘Every day is a new day and you feel