Persistent back injury woes have plagued Barbora Krejcikova, the 2024 Wimbledon champion, casting a shadow over her once-illustrious career. The tennis star recently expressed her fears of a future plagued by chronic pain, hinting she may have to forego participating in future tournaments.
Krejcikova, 29, has been grappling with a continuous back injury that has hindered her performance and kept her away from the court since the WTA Finals in September 2024. The Czech professional tennis player recently withdrew from tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami due to her ongoing health issues.
The road to recovery has been a bitter pill for Krejcikova, who admitted to Sport CZ that her progress is slower than anticipated. She raised concerns about the possibility of never being completely free from pain, a circumstance that has caused her considerable distress.
Since her unexpected triumph at Wimbledon last summer, Krejcikova has participated in just four WTA Tour matches, of which she lost three. However, she managed to demonstrate commendable performance in the WTA Finals, securing victories against Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff to achieve a semi-final placement. This effort secured her a substantial $1,035,000 in prize money from the profitable tournament.
However, the future appears uncertain for the Wimbledon champion. With her ranking in decline due to her absence from the court, there’s concern whether she will be able to return to a comprehensive schedule anytime soon. The possibility of dropping out of the top 20 in the coming weeks looms over Krejcikova, and the pressure to defend her Wimbledon title and the accompanying 2,000 points adds to her worries.
Krejcikova’s health troubles began during the Olympics, and she highlighted the difficulty of transitioning from grass to clay courts in a short period. Recalling the physical toll it took on her, she shared how harsh weather conditions and prolonged matches impacted her strength and wellness.
The two-time Grand Slam winner confessed that she felt on the verge of collapsing but persevered for the sake of representing her country, a matter of great importance to her. She did, however, indicate that she might have to decrease her doubles participation to manage her injuries better.
In her own words, Krejcikova expressed the importance of representing her country, even at the cost of her health. She admitted that telling her doubles partner, Katerina Siniakova, that she couldn’t play was unthinkable, even if it meant early match losses.
The tennis star acknowledged that as she grows older, she might need to limit her participation in doubles matches and be more selective. This strategic move could help her manage her injuries and maintain her performance in the long run.
In the face of such adversity, Krejcikova’s future in the tennis world seems uncertain. Yet, her determination and passion for the sport remain unwavering, even as she confronts the possibility of a career marked by chronic pain.
