A tennis comeback can take months or years, and the strongest returns are about more than a single big win. The ATP and WTA Comeback Player of the Year awards recognize players who have rebuilt their games and results after a major setback, often returning from injury, illness, or time away from the tour.
For fans, these awards offer a useful way to look back at a season’s most impressive recoveries. They are not simply prizes for the player who climbed the most ranking places: the story behind the return, the level of tennis, and the obstacles overcome all matter.
What Is a Tennis Comeback Player Award?
The ATP and WTA each present an annual Comeback Player of the Year award. It recognizes a player who has returned to strong form after a serious challenge. That might mean recovering from surgery, a long-term injury, illness, or a personal break from competition.
There is no single comeback formula. One player may return to the top of the rankings and win a major title. Another may earn recognition for getting back to the tour and competing at a high level after a difficult period. The award is about the quality and meaning of the return, not just the number of ranking points gained.
These awards are also separate from the year-end rankings. A player does not automatically win because they finish the season at a career-high position, and a strong season after an injury is not always enough on its own. The context matters: how long the player was away, how serious the setback was, and what they achieved after returning.
ATP and WTA Comeback Awards: What They Recognize
| Tour | What the award recognizes | Examples of notable comebacks |
|---|---|---|
| ATP | A male player who re-established himself as a top-level competitor after a major setback. | Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Juan Martín del Potro |
| WTA | A female player who returned to high-level tennis after a serious challenge or time away. | Serena Williams, Elina Svitolina, Tatjana Maria |
The tours announce their awards separately, and their selection processes can differ. Check the relevant tour’s official award announcement for the latest winner and details on that year’s voting.
Memorable Tennis Comebacks Behind the Awards
Roger Federer: a return that ended with two major titles
Federer’s 2017 season is one of the clearest examples of a comeback reaching the very top. After knee problems limited his 2016 season, he returned to win the Australian Open and Wimbledon. The comeback was not only about his health: he also adjusted his game, using his backhand more aggressively to take time away from opponents.
Federer received the ATP Comeback Player of the Year award in 2017. His season showed how a player can return from injury and still find new ways to win.
Novak Djokovic: from a tough first half to a major double
Djokovic’s 2018 season took a sharp turn. He had struggled to find his best level earlier in the year after dealing with an elbow injury, but his results improved as the season went on. He won Wimbledon and the US Open, then finished the year as world No. 1. The ATP named him Comeback Player of the Year.
His return was a reminder that recovery is not always a straight line. A player can need time to rebuild confidence, match fitness, and trust in a body that has caused problems.
Elina Svitolina: a return after becoming a parent
Svitolina stepped away from the tour after announcing her pregnancy, then returned in 2023. She reached the French Open quarterfinal and Wimbledon semifinal, with her run at Wimbledon capturing particular attention. Her comeback involved more than getting back into match shape: she had to manage the demands of professional tennis alongside life as a new parent.
The WTA recognized her as its Comeback Player of the Year for 2023. Her results also showed why the award is not limited to injury recoveries.
Recent examples: Berrettini, Badosa, and Maria
Matteo Berrettini and Paula Badosa were named the ATP and WTA Comeback Players of the Year, respectively, in 2024. Berrettini returned from a difficult run of injuries and won multiple tour titles. Badosa worked her way back from a serious back problem and captured the Washington title. Their seasons looked different, but both turned a hard return into substantial results.
Tatjana Maria’s 2022 season offers another kind of example. After having a child and returning to competition, she reached the Wimbledon semifinals at age 34. Her run was a striking reminder that comebacks can happen at different stages of a career and do not always follow the same pattern.
What Makes a Comeback Season Stand Out?
- The setback was serious. A short absence is different from a season lost to surgery or a long recovery.
- The player returned to a high level. Strong wins, deep tournament runs, and titles help show that the return is more than just an appearance on court.
- The progress was sustained. A single memorable match can be exciting, but a season of competitive tennis gives a fuller picture.
- The comeback has context. Age, time away, life changes, and the type of injury can all shape how demanding a return is.
Ranking movement can help tell the story, but it should not be the only measure. A player returning from outside the top 500 may make a dramatic climb, while a former champion might re-establish themselves near the top after a shorter absence. Their paths are different, and the award is intended to recognize the achievement in context.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the ATP Comeback Player of the Year award in 2024?
Matteo Berrettini won the ATP award in 2024 after returning from injuries and winning multiple tour titles.
Who won the WTA Comeback Player of the Year award in 2024?
Paula Badosa won the WTA award in 2024. Her season included a return from a serious back problem and a title in Washington.
Does a player have to win a tournament to receive a comeback award?
No. A title can strengthen a player’s case, but the award is not limited to tournament winners. The return itself, the level of competition, and the challenge overcome all matter.
Is Comeback Player of the Year based only on ranking improvement?
No. Ranking gains are one useful measure, but the award also considers the player’s circumstances and overall performance after returning.
Final Thoughts
Tennis comeback player awards recognize more than a rise in the rankings. They celebrate the work of returning to competition, finding form again, and proving that a setback does not have to end a career. From Federer’s major-winning 2017 to Svitolina’s return after becoming a parent, the best comeback stories are memorable because each one takes a different route back to the court.
