Caroline Dolehide Eyes Caitlin Clark Union as WNBA Star’s Hobby Creates New Expectations

“You can clear your mind, do something you really love, and have the peace and quiet.” Caitlin Clark had said about how she finds escape to reality and golf is just one of it too. Clark recently featured at The Annika, second Pro-Am of her part-time golf career. While she quickly proved the impact of her aura in golf, it seems Clark’s magnetic pull won’t be just limited to basketball or even golf as an Australian tennis player, currently ranked No. 78 in the world, has voiced a desire that could see the reigning ROTY influencing yet another sport.

In a recent post by the official Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge account, Aussie tennis star Caroline Dolehide opened up about her inspirations from beyond the tennis court. In a snippet from her interview, Dolehide didn’t hesitate to name her biggest influence—none other than legendary soccer player Mia Hamm. But here’s where things got even more intriguing. After sharing her admiration for Hamm, Dolehide quickly switched gears, revealing the one person she dreams of teaming up with on the court.

“I would pick Caitlin Clark to be my doubles partner from another sport. I think that would be really fun,” the 26-year-old tennis star confessed her desire to team up with Fever star. Well, it’s no shocker that Dolehide’s pick was the Indiana Fever sensation. After all, Clark’s impact on the WNBA during her rookie year has been nothing short of transformative. Her electrifying performances didn’t just elevate her team—they boosted the league’s visibility and cemented her status as a generational talent.

Caroline Dolehide, a proud UCLA alum, has been carving her path in tennis since making her professional debut in 2016. She has racked up several titles over the years as a regular on the ITF circuit. While a WTA singles title still eludes her, Dolehide celebrated a notable doubles victory in Monterrey. She is yet to reach a threshold level on popularity, but is certainly aware of Clark’s aura.

With her natural curiosity and passion for new challenges and the fact that she ‘used to be a tennis player back in the day’, it’s no surprise if one wonders the sport to be on Clark’s list of hobbies and add on to escape mechanism?

Not sure if she will take the court, but Dolehide is surely excited of that possibility as she later highlighted Clark’s pull factor of massive audience to any sports and said, “I think there would be a massive crowd behind us and I would love to see her play some tennis.” While the idea of the two teaming up on the tennis court remains a fun possibility, one thing is for sure: if Clark ever made that leap, she would likely make a big splash—just as she did in golf.

“The Caitlin Clark Effect” transcends sports

Since Caitlin Clark burst onto the WNBA scene as the reigning Rookie of the Year, the “Caitlin Clark effect” has been undeniable. Her presence has drawn fans in droves, packing arenas and setting new records for TV viewership. But her influence doesn’t just stop during the season. Even in the offseason, Clark’s star power continues to make waves. For instance, her visit to an Indianapolis football game led to a massive spike in the team’s social media engagement. It’s clear: wherever Clark goes, excitement follows.

So, how could golf escape the “Caitlin Clark effect”? Before the Indiana Fever guard made her debut at her second Pro-Am tournament at The Annika, golf legend Nelly Korda had already felt the power of Clark’s star appeal. Just a day before Clark teed off at Pelican Golf Club in Florida, a report from Scott Agness, the Indiana Fever beat reporter, highlighted a surge in ticket sales for the event.

“Ticket sales are up by 1200%,” announced the kicker of Fieldhouse Files’ report from Agness. The event’s namesake, was just grateful to have the Indiana Fever star joining in. “Very thankful to her to take the time to be part of our event,” Sorenstam expressed. Even Korda noted the 22-year-old’s influence and the way she carried herself. “(that) was really cool to see firsthand today,” she said, speaking about the audience Clark drew out.

It’s clear that Caitlin Clark has the potential to be a game-changer even in tennis. Whether she ever steps onto a tennis court to fulfill Caroline Dolehide’s dream of teaming up remains entirely up to her. But given her undeniable star power and ability to draw fans across sports, it’s an exciting possibility to imagine.