The tennis world has been eagerly awaiting the return of some legendary players, but not all comebacks go according to plan. A former Wimbledon finalist's journey back to the court has taken an unexpected turn, sparking conversations about the challenges of returning to professional sports after a break.
The 2025 tennis season has witnessed remarkable comebacks, particularly on the WTA Tour. Venus Williams, a tennis icon, made headlines with her return at the Washington Open, followed by appearances at the Cincinnati and US Open tournaments, all after a year-long hiatus. Another star, Petra Kvitova, resumed playing this year after a 17-month break to welcome her first child.
But the story of Sabine Lisicki, the 2013 Wimbledon finalist, adds a twist to these inspiring returns. Lisicki, who was scheduled to compete at a WTA 125 tournament in Mallorca this week, has decided to delay her comeback. She last played in December 2023 at an ITF event in Dubai and was eager to return to the Spanish island a year after becoming a mother.
In a revealing interview with RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland, Lisicki shared her thoughts on retirement and her comeback. She firmly stated that her pregnancy did not influence her retirement plans, emphasizing her desire to end her career on her own terms. Lisicki said, "I want to end my career the way I imagine it and at a time I feel comfortable with... I just want to feel like it's the right time." And here's where it gets personal: she acknowledges that the pressure she feels is self-imposed, driven by her ambition.
Lisicki's 2013 Wimbledon campaign was a memorable one. She started with dominant wins over Francesca Schiavone and Elena Vesnina, followed by an upset victory over the 14th seed, Samantha Stosur. The highlight of her run was defeating the defending champion, Serena Williams, in a thrilling three-set match. Lisicki then beat Kaia Kanepi and fourth seed Agnieszka Radwanska to reach the final, where she faced Marion Bartoli. Despite her determination, she fell short in the final, losing in straight sets.
This raises an intriguing question: How do athletes find the balance between listening to their bodies and the pressure to return to competition? Is there an optimal time for a comeback, or is it a deeply personal decision? Share your thoughts on this delicate topic and whether you think Lisicki's approach is the right one.
