What Happened to Ajla Tomljanovic? Why is AJLA Tomljanovic Not Playing?
by Abinaya
Updated Aug 31, 2023
What Happened to Ajla Tomljanovic?
Ajla Tomljanovic's recent withdrawal has shed light on the challenges she has faced in her tennis journey. Following her hard-earned victory in the first round, Tomljanovic openly shared her feelings, remarking, "In a way I feel like I have no business being in the second round. This was just a huge test for me." Her dedication was evident as she added, "I know it might sound weird but I played the best I could - or more. I did more than I thought I could and barely got over the line.
That tells you something. I tapped into my competitiveness, that felt like it was all heart, but I wish it felt better physically than it did." Unfortunately, this withdrawal represents another hurdle in what has been a challenging year for the 29-year-old athlete. Despite being on the brink of earning a seed at a grand slam for the first time, Tomljanovic faced the disappointing need to withdraw from the Australian Open just before the event in January.
This was followed by her absence from both the French Open and Wimbledon, causing a notable drop in her world ranking to No.127. In the face of these setbacks, Tomljanovic maintains a balanced perspective. Reflecting on her condition, she commented, "I'm on a high emotionally but I am very realistic about where my knee and body is at."
While acknowledging her ongoing need for recovery, she emphasized her appreciation for the progress made, saying, "I am very realistic that I still need time, but I would be stupid to be complaining being here in the second round. It just felt like that reward after so many months of just torture." Her words capture both the challenges she has encountered and her determination to find solace in the hard-earned victories she achieves along the way.
Why is Ajla Tomljanovic Not Playing?
Ajla Tomljanovic's absence from the U.S. Open is a result of a persistent knee injury that has hindered her participation for a considerable portion of the season. This injury has prevented her from competing at her optimal level and has ultimately led to her withdrawal from the tournament. Despite her remarkable achievement in the prior year, defeating none other than Serena Williams in the final match of the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, Tomljanovic's ongoing knee ailment has forced her to the sidelines.
The knee injury has evidently posed a significant challenge for Tomljanovic, impacting both her physical condition and her ability to perform at the demanding level required in professional tennis tournaments. While her previous victory showcased her skill and determination on the court, the continuous strain on her knee has limited her training and match readiness, prompting her to make the difficult decision to not participate in this year's U.S. Open
For professional athletes like Tomljanovic, injuries can disrupt their career trajectory and challenge their mental and physical resilience. While triumphs like her victory over Serena Williams demonstrate her potential, the realities of sport also entail dealing with setbacks like injuries. Tomljanovic's situation highlights the complex balance athletes must maintain between pushing their limits and prioritizing their health.
The decision to withdraw from a prestigious event like the U.S. Open is not taken lightly, as athletes invest substantial effort and preparation to compete on such stages. However, the priority of preserving her long-term well-being and recovery takes precedence. Her absence from the U.S. Open serves as a reminder of the inherent uncertainties in the world of professional sports, where injuries can abruptly alter an athlete's trajectory and challenge their aspirations.
In essence, Ajla Tomljanovic's case sheds light on the rigorous physical demands athletes face and the arduous journey of recovery they often embark upon. As she navigates through this setback and focuses on rehabilitation, her determination and dedication to her sport remain evident, serving as an inspiration to both fellow athletes and fans alike.
Who is Ajla Tomljanovic?
Ajla Tomljanović, born on May 7, 1993, is an accomplished Australian professional tennis player. She has established herself in the tennis world with notable achievements, both in singles and doubles competitions. Tomljanović's career boasts four singles titles and three doubles titles on the ITF Circuit, showcasing her versatility on the court. Her prowess and dedication have earned her a prominent position in the tennis rankings.
In her singles career, Tomljanović achieved a remarkable milestone on April 3, 2023, when she reached her career-high singles ranking as the world No. 32. This achievement speaks to her consistency and skill, positioning her among the top players on the international tennis stage. Her remarkable journey has also been evident in the doubles category, where she attained a career-high ranking of No. 47 on January 5, 2015.
Tomljanović's journey in the world of tennis began in her junior years, where she displayed immense talent and promise. In 2009, she secured the Australian Open girls' doubles title alongside Christina McHale. This early success in her junior career propelled her to a combined career-high junior ranking of world No. 4 on March 30, 2009, reflecting her significant potential.
Notably, Tomljanović's tennis journey has been marked by her representation of different countries. Prior to 2014, she represented her birth country, Croatia, in various tennis tournaments. However, her affiliation changed when she began representing Australia at the 2014 US Open. This transition followed her acquisition of permanent residency in Australia.
Over the next four years, Tomljanović balanced her representation, participating in non-Grand Slam events for Croatia due to residency requirements. In January 2018, she was granted Australian citizenship, which enabled her to represent Australia in all events on the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Tour. Ajla Tomljanović's career exemplifies the dedication, skill, and adaptability required to thrive in the competitive world of professional tennis.
Her journey from her junior achievements to her current standing as a formidable presence in both singles and doubles competitions underscores her passion for the sport and her determination to excel at the highest level. As she navigates through challenges such as injuries and career decisions, Tomljanović continues to inspire tennis enthusiasts with her remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment to the game.
Category
Details
Date of Birth
7 May 1993 (age 30 years), Zagreb, Croatia
Parents
Ratko Tomljanović, Emina Tomljanović
Nationality
Australian, Croatian
Height
1.8 m
Prize Money
US$ 5,650,758
Siblings
Hana Tomljanović
Fed Cup Titles
F (2019, 2022)
Fed Cup Record
8–11 (42.1%)
Ajla Tomljanovic Early Life
Ajla Tomljanović's early life is marked by her diverse background and her introduction to the world of tennis at a young age. Born in Zagreb, Croatia, she comes from a sports-oriented family. Her father, Ratko Tomljanović, was a professional handball player and notably won the 1992 and 1993 handball European Cup. Her mother, Emina, is of Bosniak descent.
Additionally, her older sister Hana pursued tennis and played for the University of Virginia, creating a familial connection to sports and competition. Tomljanović's journey in tennis began when she was just six years old. Showing a natural affinity for the sport, she embarked on her tennis training journey at a young age. Recognizing her potential, she sought higher-level training opportunities, which led her to relocate to Florida at the age of 13.
This move allowed her to access more advanced coaching and training facilities, setting the stage for her future achievements in the sport. A pivotal moment in Tomljanović's career came in the latter part of 2014. Seeking to enhance her training and establish a strong foundation for her tennis pursuits, she obtained permanent residency in Brisbane, Australia. This move brought her closer to her cousin Isabella Bozicevic's family, who were based on the neighboring Gold Coast.
Additionally, Tomljanović's decision to relocate to Australia prompted her to change her representation allegiance. She made the choice to represent Australia in the four Grand Slam tournaments, aligning herself with her adopted country on the international tennis stage. In 2018, Tomljanović's commitment to her new home reached a significant milestone when her application for Australian citizenship was approved.
This pivotal step allowed her not only to compete for Australia in WTA Tour events but also to represent the country in the Fed Cup, showcasing her dedication to contributing to Australia's tennis legacy. Tomljanović's journey on the court is guided by her coaches, Fernando Martínez and Rene Gomez, who provide her with the expertise and support needed to excel in her career.
Beyond tennis, she also shares a passion for basketball, underscoring her well-rounded interests and dedication to a healthy, active lifestyle. Ajla Tomljanović's early life is a testament to her determination, adaptability, and pursuit of excellence in the world of tennis. From her beginnings in Croatia to her decision to represent Australia, her journey reflects the impact of family support, training opportunities, and a love for competition. Her transition to a new country and her rise through the tennis ranks underscore her resilience and commitment to realizing her potential on and off the court.
Ajla Tomljanovic Career
Ajla Tomljanovic's career in professional tennis has been marked by her remarkable achievements and her consistent rise through the ranks of the sport. With an impressive track record on both the ITF Circuit and the WTA Tour, she has established herself as a formidable player with a promising future. Tomljanovic's journey in tennis began at an early age, as she started playing the sport at the tender age of five. Born in Zagreb, Croatia, to Croatian parents, her passion for tennis quickly became evident.
Her dedication and talent were on display when she triumphed in the 2009 Australian Open girls' doubles event alongside her partner Christina McHale. Additionally, she showcased her prowess in singles by reaching the quarterfinals of the same tournament. The transition to professional tennis occurred for Tomljanovic in 2010, marking the start of her journey on the international stage.
Her proficiency on the ITF Circuit was evident as she secured four singles titles and three doubles titles, showcasing her versatility and skill in both singles and doubles formats. As she progressed in her career, she made notable strides on the WTA Tour, achieving significant milestones such as quarterfinal appearances in prestigious tournaments like the Australian Open in 2017 and the Wimbledon Championships in 2022.
Renowned for her aggressive style of play, Tomljanovic's on-court demeanor is characterized by her powerful baseline strokes and a commanding serve. Her ability to dictate play and maintain a strong presence on the court has contributed to her success in both singles and doubles formats, highlighting her versatility and adaptability as a player. The year 2023 has been particularly impactful for Tomljanovic.
She has displayed exceptional performance throughout the season, advancing to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, the semifinals of the Qatar Open, and the quarterfinals of the Miami Open. As a result of her consistent efforts, she achieved a career-high singles ranking of world No. 32, cementing her status as a prominent figure in women's tennis.
Ajla Tomljanovic Personal Life
Ajla Tomljanović's personal life offers insights into her relationships, connections, and experiences beyond the tennis court. One significant aspect of her personal journey is her transition to becoming an Australian citizen. In January 2018, she successfully obtained Australian citizenship, marking an important step in her commitment to her adopted country and solidifying her representation of Australia on the global tennis stage.
In addition to her accomplishments on the court, Tomljanović's romantic relationships have also garnered attention. She was romantically involved with Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios from 2017 to 2018, creating a high-profile pairing within the tennis world. This relationship drew both media and fan interest due to the shared passion for the sport between the two athletes.
Following her relationship with Kyrgios, Tomljanović's personal life took another turn as she dated Italian tennis player Matteo Berrettini. Their relationship spanned from 2019 to 2022, capturing attention not only for their status as tennis professionals but also for their interactions off the court. Outside of her romantic involvements, Tomljanović has forged strong bonds within the tennis community. She shares a close friendship with fellow player Félix Auger-Aliassime.
Their connection is further intertwined by the fact that Auger-Aliassime is dating Tomljanović's cousin. This relationship showcases the interwoven nature of personal connections within the tennis world and highlights the camaraderie that exists among athletes who share a passion for the sport. Ajla Tomljanović's personal life reflects her journey of growth, both as an individual and as a member of the global tennis community.
Her transition to Australian citizenship, her high-profile relationships, and her close friendships within the sport all contribute to her multidimensional identity beyond her role as a professional tennis player.
Ajla Tomljanovic Net Worth
Ajla Tomljanović, the accomplished Australian tennis player, boasts a substantial net worth estimated at $6 million. Renowned for her remarkable achievements within the tennis industry, Tomljanović has garnered recognition and accolades throughout her career, contributing to her impressive financial standing.
Net Worth:
$6 Million
Name:
Ajla Tomljanovic
Salary:
$0.4 Million +
Monthly Income:
$30,000 +
Ajla Tomljanovic Awards
Ajla Tomljanović's journey in professional tennis has been marked by her dedication and achievements on the court, earning her recognition and accolades in the tennis industry. Her early career showcased her potential, and over the years, she has solidified her position as a prominent player through notable performances and victories. Tomljanović's professional career commenced in 2008 when she made her debut in the ITF Circuit event held in Mexico City.
In her initial matches, she demonstrated her skills and determination by reaching the semifinals of the tournament. Despite facing tough competition, she showcased her capabilities on the court, setting the stage for her future successes. Throughout her career, Tomljanović participated in various matches and tournaments, each contributing to her growth and development as a tennis player.
Her journey was marked by persistence, hard work, and the guidance of her coaches. Notably, in 2014, she began training under the guidance of coach David Taylor, a decision that would significantly impact her career trajectory. One of Tomljanović's standout moments occurred in the 2015 season when she participated in the Brisbane International tournament.
In a remarkable display of skill and determination, she achieved a significant victory by defeating the world's No. 1 tennis player at the time. This triumph not only showcased her prowess on the court but also solidified her reputation as a formidable competitor. Throughout her career, Tomljanović's dedication and commitment to the sport have led to her earning several titles.
She has clinched four singles titles and three doubles titles on the ITF Circuit, a testament to her versatility and skill in both individual and team play. Her accomplishments reflect her dedication to her craft and her ability to consistently deliver outstanding performances in competitive settings.
What Happened to Ajla Tomljanovic - FAQ
Ajla Tomljanovic's recent withdrawal is attributed to a persistent knee injury that has affected her ability to compete at her best in professional tennis tournaments.
Following her win, Tomljanovic stated that she felt the match was a significant test for her, acknowledging that she gave her best effort both mentally and physically.
Despite being on the brink of earning her first Grand Slam seed, Tomljanovic had to withdraw from the Australian Open due to her knee injury. She also missed the French Open and Wimbledon, leading to a drop in her world ranking.
Tomljanovic remains realistic about her physical condition and the need for time to recover. She expressed gratitude for being in the second round of a tournament and acknowledged the rewarding feeling after months of challenges.
Ajla Tomljanovic's absence from the U.S. Open is a result of her ongoing knee injury, which has hindered her ability to compete at her highest level and prompted her withdrawal from the tournament.