LONDON — British wheelchair tennis star Abbie Breakwell is allowing herself to dream of Grand Slam glory after a remarkable 2024 season that has seen her world ranking catapult from a career-low to a career-high, firmly establishing her as a new force on the international circuit.
A Meteoric Rise
Just over a year ago, Breakwell's career was at a crossroads. Plagued by a persistent wrist injury and a crisis of confidence, her ranking had plummeted to World No. 28, a low point that forced a period of difficult introspection. "There was a moment where I had to ask myself if this was still the path for me," Breakwell admits, reflecting on the challenging 2023 season. "The results weren't there, the body wasn't cooperating, and it felt like I was fighting a losing battle."
Fast forward to the present, and the narrative has completely flipped. A string of consistent and deep runs in tournaments across the globe has propelled the 24-year-old from Lincolnshire to a new career-high of World No. 12 in the women's singles rankings. This dramatic ascent is one of the most talked-about stories in wheelchair tennis this year, a testament to her resilience and a refined approach to the game.
The Turning Point: A New Team and Mindset
The catalyst for this stunning reversal, Breakwell explains, was a holistic overhaul of her training and support system. She credits a new coaching partnership and a strengthened focus on the mental side of sport for unlocking her potential. "We went back to basics, not just with my technique, but with why I fell in love with tennis in the first place," she says.
Her training regimen became more strategic, focusing on specific weaknesses that were being exploited at the top level. This included a dedicated effort to improve her serve-and-return game, critical components in elite wheelchair tennis. The key changes she implemented were:
- Technical Refinement: A complete rebuild of her second serve to add more power and consistency.
- Physical Conditioning: Enhanced on-court mobility and core strength to withstand the demands of long matches.
- Mental Coaching: Working with a sports psychologist to develop tools for managing in-match pressure and maintaining focus.
"The difference wasn't just one thing; it was the cumulative effect of all these small one-percent improvements," Breakwell notes. "Suddenly, the pieces started to fit together, and the wins began to come."
Breakthrough Performances on the Big Stage
The results of this hard work became undeniably clear in the first half of 2024. Breakwell secured her first two ITF Super Series titles, the level just below the Grand Slams, with triumphant runs in both the British Open and the Japan Open. These victories were not just about the silverware; they were statement wins against established top-10 opponents.
Her performance at the All England Club was particularly poignant. Making her main draw debut at Wimbledon, Breakwell fought through a tough three-set battle in the first round before pushing World No. 5, Diede de Groot's regular doubles partner, to a nail-biting tiebreak in the second. "Walking out onto Court 3 at Wimbledon was surreal," she recalls. "The crowd, the history—it just fuelled me. It proved to me I belong at this level."
A Formidable Doubles Partnership
Beyond her singles success, Breakwell has also found a formidable new doubles partnership with fellow Brit, Ruby Bishop. The pair, dubbed "Breakwell & Bishop" by commentators, have quickly risen through the ranks, reaching the semi-finals of the Australian Open and winning a title on the UNIQLO Wheelchair Tennis Tour. Their complementary styles—Breakwell's powerful groundstrokes and Bishop's deft touch at the net—have made them a difficult team to break down.
Eyes on the Prize: Grand Slam Ambitions
With her ranking now inside the coveted top 16, Breakwell has secured direct entry into all four Grand Slam tournaments for the 2025 season. This automatic qualification is a game-changer, allowing for a structured training and competition schedule without the pressure of qualifying rounds. It has also given her the confidence to vocalize her ultimate goal.
"A year ago, saying I wanted to win a Grand Slam would have felt like a fantasy," Breakwell states, a determined glint in her eye. "Now, it's the target. It's what I'm building towards every single day."
She is acutely aware of the challenge that lies ahead, namely the dominance of players like the Netherlands' Diede de Groot and Japan's Yui Kamiji. However, she believes the gap is closing. "I've taken sets off top players this year," she says. "The belief is there now. I know I can compete with anyone."
Looking Ahead to 2025 and Beyond
The immediate focus is on finishing the 2024 season strongly and consolidating her ranking. Beyond that, the horizon is filled with ambition. The Paralympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028 are a major long-term target, but her sights are firmly set on the upcoming Grand Slam season.
"This journey has taught me that your lowest point can be the platform for your greatest comeback," Breakwell reflects. "The struggles of last year make this success so much sweeter. It's a reminder to never, ever give up on your dream."
As she prepares for the final tournaments of the year, Abbie Breakwell is no longer the player fighting for ranking points, but a confident contender, a Grand Slam dreamer whose remarkable resurgence has made her one of the most exciting athletes to watch in world tennis.