Karolina Muchova, the 2023 French Open runner-up and U.S. Open semifinalist, is back on the tennis court after a 10-month absence due to a right wrist operation. Despite the doubts that surfaced during her recovery, Muchova remained confident that she would return to the tour and compete at a Grand Slam tournament.
The Czech player, who reached a career-high ranking in September 2023 before the injury, is scheduled to face Paula Badosa in the first round of Wimbledon on Court 17. The match pits two former top 10 players against each other, both seeking to regain their form after injury setbacks.
Muchova’s return to the court signifies a significant milestone after a grueling recovery process. The surgery, her first as a professional, came in February, and it took her several months to regain full strength and range of motion in her wrist.
Despite the challenges, Muchova is approaching her return with a positive mindset and a focus on gradual progress. She emphasizes that she has no pressure to perform immediately, prioritizing her well-being and a smooth reintegration into the competitive landscape.
Her determination to regain her previous level of play is fueled by a belief that she can still improve upon her past achievements. Muchova acknowledges that the injury and surgery have offered valuable lessons, which she hopes to translate into a stronger and more resilient player.
Fellow competitor Iga Swiatek, a five-time Grand Slam champion and the No. 1 seed at Wimbledon, expressed support for Muchova’s return, praising her versatile playing style and potential. Swiatek acknowledged the challenges of recovering from injuries, emphasizing the importance of Muchova’s health and well-being.
While Muchova withdrew from a recent grass-court event due to wrist stiffness, she has since recovered and is ready to compete at Wimbledon. She aims to take each match step by step, prioritizing her health and allowing her game to gradually progress back to its peak performance.
