Mackenzie McDonald outduels Murray to win ATP Comeback Player of the Year

American Mackenzie McDonald has been named the ATP Comeback Player of the Year, following a season in which he fought back from hamstring surgery to reach new heights.

The 26-year old was nominated against other ATP players who had taken time off to due surgery or nagging injuries, with the likes of former World No.1 Andy Murray also competing for this award. However, it was the American who garnered enough votes to clinch the annual year-end award.

McDonald underwent right hamstring surgery in June 2019, and began the year ranked at World No.194. However, he showed good results during the season, including a fourth round appearance at the Australian Open, and a runner-up finish in Washington (l. to Sinner).

“I feel like it was a great end of 2021 for me, having that be my start for 2022. Now I feel like I’m back,” McDonald, who reached World No. 54 in November, said. “I really feel like I’ve come back, so now I can do some damage this next year. That’s what I want to do, capitalize even more. I want to accomplish a lot for next year as well."