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Caroline Wozniacki: Former world number one reveals 'shock' over arthritis diagnosis

Former world number one Caroline Wozniacki says she was "shocked" to be diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, but wants to become a role model for people with the condition.

The Dane, 28, discovered she had the auto-immune disease in August and says "it has been a lot to take in".

Rheumatoid arthritis causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints.

"You feel like you're the fittest athlete out there and all of a sudden you have this to work with," she said.

Wozniacki - who won the Australian Open in January, her only Grand Slam to date - revealed she had the condition after her season ended with defeat at the ATP Tour Finals.