London, July 1 (IANS) American rising star Martin Damm says a career-threatening injury transformed both his outlook and his game after securing his maiden main-draw victory at Wimbledon. Speaking after his opening-round win at the All England Club, the 6-foot-8 right-hander reflected on his lengthy rehabilitation, his pursuit of a maiden Top 100 ranking, and the influence of his father, former world No. 5 doubles player Martin Damm Sr., as he continues his breakthrough season on the ATP Tour.
Damm admitted the emotions after his victory were driven not only by the result but also by how close it had brought him to a significant career milestone. The 21-year-old also explained that while the ankle injury, which derailed his progress in late 2024, was difficult to endure, it ultimately changed the way he approached both tennis and life.
“The Top 100 is definitely a big reason. It was a big injury, but it’s in the past now. I don’t really like to focus on it too much or think about it, but I do think that injury helped me grow as a person and as a player as well. It made me take a step back in life and view things differently,” Damm told ATP.com.
Damm believes the enforced time away from competition laid the foundation for the progress he has made since returning to the tour. “I think a lot of the reason why I’ve been having success after the injury is thanks to the injury, which doesn’t sound great, but I’m happy for everything that happened, and everything happened for a reason,” he said.
The American was sidelined for several months after rupturing his ankle and aggravating the injury by returning too early. By the time he resumed competition, he had fallen outside the world’s Top 450 and had to rebuild his ranking through ITF and ATP Challenger events before earning another opportunity at the highest level.
Looking back on that period, Damm said the absence from the sport helped him appreciate aspects of life that are often difficult for professional players to enjoy.
“When you’re not able to play tennis for eight months, and that’s pretty much your job, you look at things differently, and you spend time with your family and friends that we, as tennis players, don’t get to do much. That definitely changed my perspective, for sure,” Damm added.
Damm also credited his growing maturity for the consistency he has displayed throughout the season, which has included a run to his maiden ATP Tour semi-final in Montpellier and a steady rise up the rankings.
“I’m maturing internally and mentally as well, working day in, day out, even if things aren’t going well. I believe in myself and my abilities, hiring people around me who believe in me. I fully believe that they’re there to help me and trust in me,” he stated.
He added that his development has come through improvements that extend well beyond his tennis.
“I think it’s a combination of things, but I think it all starts internally and with being more mature on and off the court,” he said.
The breakthrough at Wimbledon has also carried personal significance for Damm, whose connection to the tournament dates back to childhood when he accompanied his father to the All England Club during his successful doubles career.
Paying tribute to Martin Damm Sr., the former US Open doubles champion, Damm described his father as a guiding presence who has always prioritised family over coaching.
“He’s helped me a lot, and he’s the reason why I’m able to play these tournaments, to play tennis. He does a good job of staying more of a father than getting too involved in my tennis. He comes to a few events out of the year, but I think it works best for us if we understand that he’s a dad first and then a mentor if I need it,” the youngster said.
With his family in attendance, Damm said returning to the venue where some of his earliest memories were made made the occasion even more meaningful.
“But having him here with me and my mom, my siblings, is obviously amazing. I grew up coming here, and I was in daycare here at Wimbledon when my dad was playing. It’s great to have them all here with me and to experience this with me,” Damm expressed.
Having overcome injury setbacks and rebuilt his career from outside the world’s top 450, Damm now stands on the verge of breaking into the ATP Top 100 for the first time. His next challenge comes against fellow big-server Arthur Rinderknech.
–IANS
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