Ajla Tomljanovic, a dual Wimbledon quarter-finalist, heads to the All England Club next week with renewed hope after a challenging year marked by injury. Despite her recent loss to Yulia Putintseva in the Birmingham final, Tomljanovic’s performance signals a significant step in her comeback from a debilitating knee injury.
Reflecting on her journey, Tomljanovic told foxsports.com.au, “I feel like I have to give myself a break because it is coming together nicely in some ways.” Her determination shines through as she battles back to top form, even if her body isn’t cooperating fully.
Wimbledon holds a special place in her heart. Tomljanovic eagerly anticipates reuniting with friends and former teammates, including Ash Barty, who will play in the Legends Doubles. “How good will that be?” she said with excitement. “They could be the best legends pairing ever.”
Tomljanovic’s career has been riddled with injuries, from a severe shoulder issue in her early 20s to her recent knee problems. Last year, she missed Wimbledon due to her knee, a setback after making quarter-final appearances in 2021 and 2022.
Despite these challenges, she has shown resilience. She reached the US Open quarter-finals and played well at the Australian Open, but ongoing knee issues have required extensive daily management. “It still feels like a fight every day,” she admitted. “There is still a lot of fear about my body every morning.”
Her commitment to rehabilitation is relentless. “I call it an extended warm-up but it’s really rehab,” she explained. This rigorous routine is essential for her to continue competing.
Tomljanovic’s recent success in Birmingham, where she played five consecutive matches, offers a glimpse of her potential. She hopes to carry this momentum into Wimbledon and beyond, eyeing the Paris Olympics.
“The most challenging thing since I’ve been back has been to separate my mind from my body because you want that to be in sync,” she noted. “But it’s getting better with every match I play.”
With her positive mindset and unwavering determination, Tomljanovic is set to make her mark at Wimbledon once again.
