Sabine Lisicki overwhelmed by comeback after long injury break: “I cried on the pitch”

Because: “Everything was really torn and ruined for me, cruciate ligaments, inner ligaments, outer ligaments, meniscus. Others ended their careers with an injury,” the 32-year-old from Troisdorf explained. The day after the surgery 18 months ago, she already knew how difficult the task was ahead of her. “It’s going to be a long and very difficult road back,” she wrote on Instagram at the time.

But from the start, Lisicki dreamed of “coming back and being able to play tournaments.” A dream come true this week in the United States.

“It was an extremely tough and very, very long road. I admit it. The last 18 months were definitely the toughest in my career,” admitted the former number twelve on the world rankings, who “greatly appreciated” her comeback in Bonita Springs . added: “At this moment, this fight was like a reward, like a gift to me.”

Lisicki “surprised by the answer”

The right-hander described her return to the competition phase as an emotional “slide”. “One never forgets how a match feels. But I must say I was very surprised by the emotions. I was very nervous at first,” admitted the 32-year-old, who celebrated the last of his four tournament victories in Hong Kong in 2014. .

What she had not expected either: On social media, the German unfolded after her comeback with congratulations and messages.

“I was totally surprised by this response,” she admitted, explaining: “I did not advertise anything on social media channels, did not mention anything. I just wanted to play freely. It made many people notice, I did” It did not speak . I also received many messages. It touched me. “

Lisicki dreams of attending Berlin

The fact that she then failed in the second round against Romanian Gabriela Lee (2: 6, 2: 6) did not dampen the joy of her return. The focus remains on health. Lisicki described it as “encouraging” that she could play the match against the 26-year-old without any physical problems.

With the comeback after her horror injury, she also wanted to set an example of never giving up – especially in times like these. “I also want to inspire people not to give up and get up again. We have all had a hard time in recent years, also with Corona and all the consequences. It was so much the more important for me to keep going and work my way up. up again, “she explained to Troisdorfer.

Now Lisicki is back. On her way back to major tournaments, Lisicki, who is currently not listed in the world rankings, gives herself the time she needs: “Tennis player Sabine Lisicki is back. But it will take a while before I reach a higher level. I’m looking forward to what’s coming now. ” Maybe even in Germany? “It would mean the whole world to me,” Lisicki said of a wildcard participation in the lawn tournament in Berlin. She has already asked.