The Year of the Comeback
Seems like all we’ve been doing in 2018 is talking about top players coming back from either maternity leave or injury. I can’t remember a time when so many top players where running around the WTA and ATP tour trying to get back in form because they either gave birth or are coming back from injury. Let’s list these players out.
- Stan Wawrinka – had knee surgery last August, returned for the Australian where he lost in the second round, then played a few smaller tournaments where it was obvious his knee wasn’t fully recovered. He makes his return for the Italian Open next week.
- Rafa Nadal – came back after three-month layoff and is destroying everyone on clay – again. Although his destruction streak ended in Madrid with Thiem taking him to the cleaners in two competitive sets.
- Serena Williams – came back from maternity leave at Indian Wells, lost to her sister, then went to Miami and got spanked by Osaka. She has not entered tournaments because she has said she’s actually not ready. So, will we see her at the French? At Wimbledon? She needs matches!
- Victoria Azarenka – came from maternity leave and legal issues to play Indian Wells, losing in the second round. She had a good showing in Miami reaching the semis but it’s uncertain how her summer will turn out. Like I said in a previous blog post, she needs matches to regain form.
- Kei Nishikori – had wrist surgery, and came back in Monte Carlo, reaching the final and losing to Nadal. Is he back? We shall see. Nishikori is best in the hard courts, so look for him to trend in the summer.
- Novak Djokovic – had elbow surgery, is all over the place. Some people say it’s motivation that’s lacking and others that he just needs more matches. He did beat Nishikori in Madrid, which should be a positive moving forward.
- Nick Kyrgios – who knows, this guy is always coming back from some kind of injury, and I have no idea what his status is. All I know is that tennis needs him because he’s exciting to watch and can beat anyone when healthy and match ready.
- Andy Murray – had hip surgery and will be back for Wimbledon. The BBC says he’s doing everything he can to be back in time for Wimbledon. Let’s see if he can make it!
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