Comeback! Sayuri returns to the professional scene

On March 24, 2025, French tennis star Cornet suddenly announced on social media that he would return to tennis in Lyon next month, and pointed out that Errani, who had been involved with her on the court, inspired her. The news shook the tennis world – less than a year after she announced her retirement after losing the first round at the French Open last year. Why did the 34-year-old choose to return to action after a short farewell? Is it difficult to let go of your love for tennis, or is it impossible to adapt to the peaceful life after retirement? Or is it obsession with unfinished goals in your career? Behind her comeback, complex emotions and professional pursuits are intertwined.

Cornet's decision to retire began in the first round of the 2024 French Open. She lost 2-6 1-6 in the face of a strong performance by China's Zheng Qinwen and announced the end of her career after the match. This may seem like a decisive choice, but it is in fact full of contradictions. Looking back on her career, Cornet has always been known as a "full-time fighter" – since making her French Open debut in 2005, she has played a record 69 Grand Slam main draws in a row since the Australian Open in '07. However, this record came to an abrupt end at the 2024 French Open, and her retirement not only ended her streak of consecutive competitions, but also made countless fans lament the "end of the era". However, Cornet didn't really stay away from tennis after retiring. According to her, when she picked up her racket again two months ago, "the idea of coming back came flooding in". "I'm so excited to finally be back on the pitch in Lyon," she admits. This comeback makes my heart flutter. This expression of emotion reveals her inseparable attachment to the arena. As she joked: "Haha, you think you can easily get rid of me, a 'veteran'? It's not that easy! ”

Cornet's career began with the aura of a "gifted girl". Turned professional tennis in 2004, she won her first singles title at the age of 18 and ranked 11th in the world at the age of 20. Sayuri, France, known for her "slimy" defensive style and tenacious fighting spirit, has become the core motivation for her comeback. As she said in the interview: "I always knew it would be hard to leave the ring. ”

The life of a professional athlete is highly structured, and the sudden loss of purpose and rhythm after retirement often leads to a psychological gap. Although Cornet enjoyed spending time with his family after retiring, "the hustle and bustle of the stadium and the shouts of the fans" always haunted him. In her training, she regained not only her technique, but also her desire to be in shape. This kind of professional inertia makes it difficult for her to adapt to a peaceful retirement life.

Cornet's career has always been shrouded in a layer of "uncertainty" - despite 72 appearances in the main draw of a Grand Slam, she has never made it past the quarter-finals, and she has never made it past the fourth round even before the Australian Open '22, and has always played the role of a paving agent in tennis. In addition, her streak of consecutive races was interrupted by her retirement, which may have been the catalyst for a comeback. If she can regain her ranking through Lyon, she may be able to continue her Grand Slam journey and make up for her unfinished dreams.

Cornet's comeback is not without controversy. On the one hand, the age of 34 and declining physical fitness are real challenges. Although she was exempt from the qualifying round with a "direct entry to the main event", the impact of the new WTA generation should not be underestimated; On the other hand, her style of play relies on defense and stamina, which is less dominant in the modern tennis world that emphasizes offense. In addition, the risk of injury and illness and psychological stress may also affect performance. However, Cornet's strength lies in experience and resilience. This ability to withstand pressure may help her stabilize her position in the early stage of her comeback. What's more, her return carries the emotional projection of fans – in a sport where utilitarianism prevails, a veteran's dedication to his dreams is infectious.

Cornet's comeback is essentially a question of self-worth for professional athletes. For her, tennis has long surpassed victory and defeat and become a part of life. As she said on her retirement: "I have never regretted choosing this path, even if it didn't end perfectly. Now, she has chosen to return to the court with a more relaxed attitude, perhaps redefining the "perfect ending". For fans, Cornet's story is not only the epitome of competitive sports, but also a hymn to love. Regardless of her comeback, her courage has injected a warm glow into the tennis world. Just like the applause that is about to ring on the stadium in Rouen – there is not only the expectation of victory, but also the indomitable spirit of a veteran.(Source: Tennis Home Author: Xiaodi)