Pliskova, Draper Lead Inspiring Injury Comebacks Ahead of Wimbledon 2026

The 2026 grass-court tennis season is being defined as much by who is missing as who is playing, but amid a wave of high-profile withdrawals, several remarkable comeback stories are taking center stage ahead of Wimbledon. While the physical toll of the modern tour has sidelined several top contenders, the resilience of players returning from severe injuries is providing the sport with a much-needed uplifting narrative.[4]

Former World No. 1 Karolina Pliskova is authoring the most inspiring return of the summer. Following a devastating ankle injury at the 2024 US Open, Pliskova underwent two surgeries to repair ruptured ligaments and tendons, a trauma so severe she noted that "only the bones were holding it together."[1]

The recovery process forced the 34-year-old to literally relearn how to walk after months of being unable to bear weight on her left leg. Yet, defying expectations, Pliskova has surged back into form in 2026, compiling a 16-7 match record and reaching the quarterfinals at the HSBC Championships at Queen's Club, a run that guarantees her return to the Top 100.[1]

On the men's side, British hopeful Jack Draper is making his own highly anticipated return. After a knee injury at the Barcelona Open forced him to retire and subsequently miss Roland Garros, Draper has confirmed his comeback at the Eastbourne International.[6]

In a massive boost for British tennis fans, Draper has convinced two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray to come out of retirement to act as his coach for the grass-court swing. The partnership aims to help the 24-year-old, currently ranked No. 27, navigate his return to peak physical condition and make a deep run at the All England Club.[6]

Fellow Brit Cam Norrie is also back on the grass after a rib issue forced a first-round retirement in Paris. Norrie utilized the time off for a "mental reset" and reported feeling completely healthy and relaxed during his opening matches at Queen's Club, emphasizing his comfort and movement on the surface.[2]

These triumphant returns stand in sharp contrast to the brutal reality of the 2026 calendar, which has heavily disrupted the entry lists for Wimbledon. The tournament, which begins on June 29 with a record-breaking £64.2 million prize pool, will be missing several marquee names who have opted to prioritize long-term health over a rushed return.[4]

Two-time Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz has officially withdrawn from the entire grass-court swing due to right wrist tenosynovitis, while Italian star Lorenzo Musetti is sidelined with a persistent thigh injury sustained during the clay season. Both players have stressed that they will only return to competition when they are fully fit.[4]

Danish former World No. 4 Holger Rune also ruled himself out this week, extending an eight-and-a-half-month layoff following an Achilles rupture suffered last October. Rune's camp noted that while his scans look positive, the grass-court return proved premature, aligning with his refusal to compete at "less than 110%."[3]

The women's draw has also seen unfortunate casualties during the warm-up events. Rising 19-year-old Canadian star Victoria Mboko suffered a torn medial collateral ligament (MCL) after slipping on the grass during a doubles match at Queen's Club, abruptly ending a high-profile partnership with a returning Serena Williams.[5]

Despite the attrition rate, the overarching theme of the 2026 grass-court season remains one of perseverance. As the tennis world turns its full attention to London, the spotlight will naturally fall on defending champions Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek.[4]

But for players like Pliskova, Draper, and Norrie, simply walking onto the pristine lawns of the All England Club will represent a massive victory. Their presence serves as a powerful reminder of the dedication required to overcome the sport's physical demands and compete at the highest level.[1][2][6]