Tomljanovic Opens Up: 'I Almost Quit Tennis' — The Unexpected Moment That Changed Everything

At 33, Ajla Tomljanovic Reveals Mental Struggles and Comeback Inspiration After Injury-Plagued Seasons

© Ajla Tomljanovic Adelaide 26 Photo par SARAH REED GETTY IMAGES ASIAPAC Getty Images via AFP

Arthur Millot

le 13/02/2026 à 14h52

2 min to read

Tomljanovic Ajla

In recent months, Ajla Tomljanovic has endured one of the toughest periods of her career.

On the 'Love All' podcast, the Zagreb native gave a candid account of her mental fragility.

'I've thought a lot about planning my life after tennis in recent years.

At one point, I almost told myself that I didn't have the level anymore, that I couldn't see myself getting better, just because I wasn't consistently healthy.

I had quite a bit of pain, I saw the overall level of tennis rising more and more, and I felt like I couldn't catch up.'

Knee Surgery and Health Issues

To recall, the Australian's 2023 season was largely cut short by knee surgery.

Physical problems that extended into 2024 with non-tennis-related health issues.

Recently, in Adelaide, a shoulder injury also forced her to retire mid-match against Joint.

Nevertheless, she is currently ranked 74th in the world and holds a balanced record (3-3) in 2026, including a win at the Australian Open (Starodubtseva).

'No, I Want to Be the One Playing, Not the One Commentating'

Finally, the two-time Wimbledon quarterfinalist (2021 and 2022) concluded by explaining that a television commentator role was a turning point for her return to the court.

'That's why I ended up doing a bit more media work to take time to think about what I loved outside of tennis. And it took some pressure off.

But once I started commentating, I told myself "no no, I still want to be the one playing." It was like a wake-up call for me.'