Ajla Tomljanovic reacts to her career-high ranking without playing tennis

Ajla Tomljanovic has achieved a career-high WTA ranking of No. 32 despite not playing a single match in 2023.

Tomljanovic last played in the Billie Jean King Cup, which marked the conclusion of her 2022 season. Regrettably, she had to withdraw from the United Cup in Australia in January due to a knee issue that necessitated a medical procedure. The setback also prevented her from participating in her home Grand Slam tournament, the Australian Open.

At the onset of the 2023 season, the 29-year-old held the No. 33 spot in the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) rankings and has maintained a consistent presence in the rankings ever since. She recently made an ascent to the No. 32 position in the WTA Live Rankings.

On Wednesday, April 5, Ajla Tomljanovic took to social media to share her thoughts on acquiring the rank. She wrote that the best things in life often happen when one least expects them.

"Taking "it'll happen when you least expect" to a whole new level #cool," Tomljanovic captioned her Instagram story.

Ajla Tomljanovic's Instagram story

Ajla Tomljanovic reveals how she felt after withdrawing from Australian Open 2023

Ajla Tomljanovic at the 2023 Australian Open practice session

T Magazine has released a preview of their interview with Ajla Tomljanovic, which is now available to read online.

During the interview, the Australian tennis star expressed her deep disappointment at missing the 2023 Australian Open. She described it as one of the most excruciating experiences an athlete can endure.

“You never learn, really, to cope with these moments. To miss out on your home Slam and then have to watch from the sidelines could be the most painful thing an athlete can go through. Okay, maybe that’s dramatic, but it just feels like that right now,” she said.

Tomljanovic also stated that she does not subscribe to superstitions or pre-game rituals, despite their popularity among athletes who hope to improve their performance.

During the conversation, Tomljanovic shared an intriguing anecdote about her experience dining at a Thai restaurant in Paris prior to her victorious run at the 2014 French Open.

However, upon her return to the Grand Slam the following year, she made it a point to revisit the same restaurant, hoping to replicate her previous success. Unfortunately, fate had other plans, and Tomljanovic ended up losing her next match.

“I was like, ‘This is so stupid,’ I just know that has no impact on how I’ll do, so my mind just doesn’t go there,” Tomljanovic said.