“At that moment, I'm like, 'OK, I don't think I'll ever hold a racquet,” Muchova reflects on injury setback
WTA
Karolina Muchova reflected on the injury that kept her
sidelined for 9 months as she awaits her return at the WTA 500 Eastbourne Open.
The 2023 French Open runner-up was eliminated in the semifinals of the last US
Open by Coco Gauff and has been dealing with a wrist injury that has prevented
her from returning to the Tour.
"It's been a while and I know it's tough to just jump
on it and be back," Muchova said. "I can't expect myself to have the
level that I had last year. I wish, but I think I'll need a few matches and
some time to get on it again. But now practicing a few days with others, it was
not so bad. I could keep up. It was not like I was losing everything.
"I hope I'll bring the good tennis again and that I
can, yeah, make some mess at the top again," commented the 29-year-old
Czech, who will debut on Tuesday in Eastbourne against Russian Elina Avanesyan.
"At the start, of course, I was a little bit -- well,
maybe more than a little bit – frustrated. After such a great season, I felt
great on the court. I wanted to follow up, but then there was the stop,”
Muchova added. "Once I knew there's a surgery, there's some time ahead of
me that I'll have off, I just tried to -- and I did well in that I think --
accept it and just focus on the steps ahead and what I could do."
The Czech tennis player recently acknowledged in the interview with WTA Insider that she even considered retiring when she realized
the aftermath of the injury: "Once I was able to put my hand out of the
wrap, I was still not moving with it," she said. "It was crazy. At
that moment, I'm like, 'OK, I don't think I'll ever hold a racquet. I don't
know if I'll ever hold a fork and eat.' It was really, really weak."
"That might sound a little bit like a cliche, but
really just to be able to play and go on the court and the people and the
match," Muchova said. "I'm very competitive. So I'm really looking
forward to that adrenaline again."
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- I, like writer of this wonderful article, also picked Noskova to win this entire thing. I would love it if she and Andreeva are in the final.Rapunzel12-11-2026
- "Priorities", Saba... spend less time in front of cameras, anti-Social Media, selfies and back to Tennis.
mandoist12-11-2026 - Tell this to Andreeva!mandoist12-11-2026
- Andreeva with 11 games in a row to add to Saba's downward spiral issue !!! Personal feelings aside... Jess Pegula may want to reassess her evaluation of Mirra's abilities.mandoist12-11-2026
- I predicted whenthe list was finalised that Linda Noskova would win the WTA Finals and her matches against Gauff and Kostyuk prove that. She is the best (underrated) player in the world!Rapunzel11-11-2026
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.mandoist09-11-2026
- Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
