This list highlights the most dramatic and resilient comebacks in professional tennis history since the start of the Open Era. From saving match points to winning Grand Slams after injury, these athletes demonstrated extraordinary mental toughness and physical recovery.
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Karlovic saved four match points while trailing in the fifth set against Murray, eventually winning in a fifth-set tiebreak. This victory showcased his incredible serving prowess and mental fortitude under immense pressure on clay.
Coming off a serious abdominal injury that threatened to end his season, Djokovic returned to win his 24th Grand Slam title. His performance in New York was a masterclass in resilience and strategic adjustment against younger competitors.
Struggling with form and physical discomfort in 2014, Serena returned to win Roland Garros in 2015 at age 33. She defeated Carla Suárez Navarro in a hard-fought final, reaffirming her dominance on all surfaces.
After being diagnosed with breast cancer, Navratilova returned to competitive tennis less than a year later. She won the US Open singles title in 1987 and continued to compete at an elite level for years.
Returning from hip surgery that had sidelined him for over a year, Murray won his second Australian Open title. Defeating Rafael Nadal in the final, he proved his body could withstand the rigors of professional tennis again.
After a 15-month doping suspension, Sharapova returned to win her first title since 2014 in Stuttgart. This victory marked her gradual reintegration into the WTA tour and demonstrated her continued competitiveness on clay.
Suffering from knee and foot injuries that limited his match play in 2018, Nadal returned to win his 12th French Open title. His victory in Paris was a testament to his ability to adapt his game despite physical limitations.
Trailing two sets to love against Daniil Medvedev, Sinner fought back to win three consecutive sets. This comeback secured his first Grand Slam title and signaled his arrival as a top contender in men's tennis.
After a period of struggle on grass and lower-ranked matches, Swiatek reached the Wimbledon final in 2023. Although she lost to Ema Tomljanovic in the final set, her journey back to the top four highlighted her mental recovery.
Coming off extensive knee surgery and long rehab, Federer returned to win the Shanghai Masters in 2018. He defeated Dominic Thiem in the final, showing he could still compete for titles against the new generation.
After a poor start to the season and dropping in the rankings, Pliskova won three consecutive titles leading up to the US Open. This streak revitalized her career and set the stage for her US Open final appearance.
After early exits in previous Grand Slams, Tsitsipas reached his first major final in New York. Though he lost to Medvedev, his consistent play against top seeds marked a significant breakthrough in his mental resilience.
Following a period of inconsistent results, Gauff reached the French Open final in 2023, her best Grand Slam result at the time. This run solidified her status as a top-five player and showcased her defensive improvements.
Jankovic won the 2008 US Open after dropping the first set and saving multiple break points in the final. This victory ended a long title drought and established her as a top player on hard courts.
After years of runner-up finishes and injuries, Thiem finally won his first Grand Slam in New York. He defeated Zverev in a five-set thriller, showcasing his grit and ability to perform in high-pressure moments.
Dealing with a severe knee injury in 2016 and 2017, Halep returned to win Wimbledon in 2018. Her victory over Venus Williams was a masterclass in tactical tennis and mental strength after long absences.
Barty won the French Open in 2019 after a long injury layoff, then retired in 2022. Her brief return to the top spot demonstrated her ability to maintain peak form after significant physical setbacks.
After struggling with injuries and lower rankings, Svitolina reached the Wimbledon quarterfinals in 2023. Her strong performance on grass helped her return to the top 10, proving her adaptability across surfaces.
Jabeur reached the Wimbledon final in 2022, becoming the first Arab and African woman to do so. Her run against top-seeded players marked a significant breakthrough and showcased her unique style and mental toughness.
Tiafoe reached his first Grand Slam semi-final in 2022, defeating Medvedev and Djokovic along the way. His victory over Djokovic was a historic upset and highlighted his growth as a consistent top-level competitor.
After years of early exits in Masters events, Fritz won Indian Wells in 2024, defeating Medvedev and Rublev. This victory broke his major drought in hard-court tournaments and established him as a top American.