Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova returns in Strasbourg after six-month injury nightmare

Barbora Krejcikova's return to the WTA Tour in the Internationaux de Strasbourg marks the end og a harrowing six-month journey through injury, uncertainty, and personal resolve. The 29-year-old Czech, once ranked as high as world No. 2, stepped onto the court against Magda Linette for her first singles match since a debilitating back injury forced her off the tour in late 2024. The result - a 3-6, 3-6 loss - was secondary to the significance of her comeback.

Wimbledon's reigning champion Barbora Krejcikova finally has return after more than six months being sidelined due to a persistent back injury. The Czech phenom was one of the Tour's elite, being an absolute threat not only playing singles but doubles as well.

After her matchup against Magda Linett in Strasbourg, Krejcikova shared the emotions of a long awaited comeback in an interview with the WTA:

"It was very difficult times last year with all that happened, all the ups and downs. Feeling good. Happy to be back". "It’s been a very tough time for me with everything that happened in 2024 — too many ups and downs. Right now, I feel good to be back, so I need to set more realistic goals to start with. If I get through this week and I’m pain-free in my back, that will be enough for me — that’s the main mission."

Krejcikova suffered from a persistent inflammation around her lower spine, first appeared in the spring of 2024. The pain was so severe that, as she described:

"First two, three months, I was in pain like in regular life, on a daily basis”. The struggle extended beyond the court, affecting her daily life and forcing her to withdraw from tournaments during the Asian swing. Even after a miraculous Wimbledon title run, the pain worsened, culminating in her retirement in Ningbo and a necessary pause before the WTA Finals in Riyadh.

"It was very tricky times because I thought [the recovery] was going to be shorter," she admitted. "I was kind of just waiting to settle down and to feel better. I told myself, ‘I’m not going to play until I get pain-free and can play without the pain’".

Only in March 2025 did doctors clear her to resume training, and even then, she started with minimal intensity. A virus setback delayed her full return to competitive play until just two weeks before Strasbourg.

Despite her early exits in both singles and doubles in France, Krejcikova's perspective is one of gratitude and patience. "I only have nice memories from Strasbourg, I'm happy to be back and happy to try again and get back to the level. To try come back and fight for the trophies again. If I finish the week and I'm pain-free with my back that's my main goal, " concluded the two-time Grand Slam champion.

In addition to her singles success -2021 Roland Garros and 2024 Wimbledon-, Krejcikova has also achieved significant victories in doubles, winning seven majors alongside Katerina Siniakova. If she manages to stay healthy and recover her best level, she could be a serious threat for the rest of the Tour.