Jan-Lennard Struff secured the prestigious title of Comeback Player of the Year in the 2023 ATP Awards following an incredible resurgence from injury. Rising from No. 167 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings, Struff soared to a career-high No. 21, earning recognition for his remarkable comeback.
Competing against Dominik Koepfer, Gael Monfils, and Alexander Zverev in the Comeback category, Struff expressed his elation, stating, “I’m very, very happy and excited to win the Comeback Player of the Year award for 2023.” He also acknowledged the other nominees, praising their seasons and congratulating them on their achievements.
In his video message, the German tennis player extended gratitude to his team and family, emphasizing their crucial role in his journey. “Without you guys, it wouldn’t be possible,” he expressed sincerely.
Struff’s season kicked off outside the Top 150 but gained momentum after impressive performances at ATP Masters 1000 events. His journey included a noteworthy quarter-final appearance in Monte-Carlo and an unprecedented feat as the first lucky loser in history to reach a Masters 1000 final at the Mutua Madrid Open.
The momentum continued with a finals appearance in Stuttgart in June. However, a hip injury halted his progress, forcing a three-month absence from the tour, during which Struff didn’t wield a racquet for seven weeks.
Making a triumphant return in Zhuhai in September, Struff marked his comeback by clinching a hard-fought victory against Cristian Garin. He further displayed his prowess by reaching his third tour-level semi-final of the season in Sofia in November, ultimately concluding the year at No. 25.
Reflecting on his journey, Struff expressed his astonishment, stating, “I couldn’t have expected this, going this fast up to the Top 30 from outside the Top 150. It was crazy how fast it went.”
