Players to make statement comebacks from injury

This year, we’re seeing so many injuries across both tours. So over the summer, I’d love to see some real statement comebacks.

We’ve recently seen someone like Arthur Fils come back after seven months out and almost look like an even better player. That is not usually the norm.

It can be tough for players returning after a long spell away, whether that means women coming back to the tour after time out or players dealing with longer-term injuries such as Jack Draper.

I want to see those players who have had big setbacks recently start to hit their stride again.

When it finally clicks, it’s brilliant to watch. Karolina Pliskova, for example, is starting to find her level again. She has been a world No.1 and a Wimbledon finalist, so she is definitely someone I’ll be keeping an eye on.

Then there’s Draper. I hope he can build his level again and get back to where he was last year, when he looked like one of the players capable of challenging at the top.

Sonay Kartal will also be coming back from injury, and I’m keen to see whether she can rediscover the form she has shown at Wimbledon over the last two years.

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The Brits to challenge on the grass

I want to see a Brit make a deep run at one of the grass-court events and then carry that momentum into the second week at Wimbledon.

We know Emma Raducanu is very good on grass and has the ability to go deep in these tournaments. But can she take that next step? And will she be physically ready by the time the grass-court season starts?

Katie Boulter is another player who has had plenty of success in Nottingham, but I’d love to see her do something really big at Queen’s or Wimbledon.

Boulter has had a solid year so far, but Cam Norrie has arguably had the best season of any Brit in 2026. He’s a former Wimbledon semi-finalist, a Queen’s Club finalist and a player who knows how to handle the big occasion.

We could also see a new star come through. Either way, I want to see British players competing deep into the biggest events this summer.

Young stars continue to rise

I’d love to see more young talents continue to emerge across both tours. Quite a few already look like future top-20 players. It’s getting crowded at the top, and there are plenty of rising stars pushing through.

We’ve spoken a lot in the past about players like Joao Fonseca, who has huge potential but has needed a little time to reach that very top level. Now you’re seeing names like Rafael Jodar come through and make a real impact, and you never quite know what is coming next. Everyone knew he was talented, but what he is doing now is pretty special.

On the women’s side, you’ve got Victoria Mboko and Iva Jovic, who have quickly put themselves in that top-20 conversation, which is hugely impressive.

I think a lot of British fans could see them at big events such as the HSBC Championships this year for the first time, and that is exciting. It’s the kind of tournament where both could be seen as serious contenders.

The surprise package

Every year, one of the most exciting things about the grass-court season is that we seem to get a few surprise packages – players who come from nowhere and quickly win people over.

Who will that be? I don’t know, but that is part of the fun.

This year, I think everyone should keep a close eye on Argentina’s Thiago Tirante. He’s only 6ft 1in, so he is not the tallest player around, but he has an enormous serve. It really is ludicrous. I honestly don’t think I’ve seen a serve like it since Andy Roddick.

I really hope he takes to the grass. He is Argentinian, so it is not a surface he has grown up on, but I’d love to see him show British fans what he can do because he is seriously fun to watch.

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