LONDON — Croatian tennis star Borna Coric, known for his victories over legends Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, has withdrawn from Wimbledon 2024 due to a lingering shoulder injury. The 27-year-old, who has been a consistent threat on the ATP Tour, confirmed his absence in a statement on social media, dealing a blow to fans hoping to see him compete on grass this season.
Coric, currently ranked No. 37 in the world, has struggled with injuries throughout his career but has repeatedly proven his ability to challenge the sport’s elite. His most notable achievements include defeating Federer twice (2018 Halle Open, 2020 US Open) and Nadal three times (2016 Cincinnati, 2017 Basel, 2022 Cincinnati). His withdrawal marks the second consecutive year he will miss Wimbledon, having also skipped the tournament in 2023.
Injury Struggles Resurface
Coric’s decision comes after a months-long battle with a persistent shoulder issue, which flared up during the clay-court season. "After consulting with my medical team, we’ve decided it’s best not to risk further damage," Coric wrote on Instagram. "Wimbledon is special, but my health must come first."
The Croatian last competed at the French Open, where he retired in the first round against Francisco Cerundolo. His recent performances have been hampered by the injury, with early exits in Madrid and Rome. Coric’s team emphasized that rehabilitation remains the priority, with a potential return targeted for the North American hard-court swing in late July.
A History of Upsetting the Giants
Coric’s career has been defined by his fearless performances against tennis’s "Big Three." His 2018 Halle Open win over Federer, then ranked No. 1, remains a standout moment. In 2022, he staged a remarkable comeback at the Cincinnati Masters, defeating Nadal en route to his first ATP 1000 title. Key victories include:
- 2016 Cincinnati: Defeated Nadal in straight sets as a 19-year-old qualifier
- 2020 US Open: Overcame Federer in a five-set thriller
- 2022 Cincinnati: Beat Nadal, Tsitsipas, and Norrie to claim the title
Former coach Riccardo Piatti once noted, "Borna thrives against the best. His counterpunching style and mental toughness make him dangerous when he’s healthy." However, consistency has eluded Coric, with injuries derailing momentum at critical moments.
Wimbledon’s Shifting Landscape
Coric’s withdrawal adds to a growing list of absentees, including 2022 finalist Nick Kyrgios and former champion Stan Wawrinka. The men’s draw, already missing Carlos Alcaraz due to injury, now loses another potential dark horse. Tennis analyst Craig O’Shannessy remarked, "Coric’s game translates well to grass. His slice and movement could’ve troubled the favorites."
The tournament’s seeding adjustments will also be impacted. Coric was projected to be seeded in the low 30s, meaning a higher-ranked player will now avoid an early-round challenge. Tournament director Jamie Baker acknowledged, "We wish Borna a speedy recovery. His fighting spirit is always missed."
What’s Next for Coric?
Coric’s team has outlined a cautious recovery plan, focusing on:
- Physical therapy to address shoulder instability
- Gradual reintroduction to serving in late June
- Targeted return at the ATP 500 event in Washington, D.C.
His agent, Stuart Duguid, confirmed, "Borna is determined to return stronger. The goal is to peak for the US Open series." Coric has previously rebounded from long layoffs, most notably after shoulder surgery in 2021, proving his resilience.
Conclusion
While Wimbledon 2024 will lack one of its most compelling giant-killers, Coric’s focus remains on long-term recovery. His absence serves as a reminder of tennis’s physical demands and the fragility of careers even for the sport’s most tenacious competitors. As fans, we can only hope to see him back on court soon, ready to challenge the elite once more.