Three Sporting Comeback Stories That Could Define the Summer
Three Sporting Comeback Stories That Could Define the Summer
When we look back on the 2019 year in sport, there is a fair chance that Tiger Woods’ Masters triumph will figure pretty prominently in the end-of-year highlight reels. The extraordinary scenes at the end of the tournament will live long in the memory, with the golfer and his family basking in the emotions of the crowd.
10 years, nine months and 29 days separated Tiger Woods win at Augusta in April 2019 and his last Major win at the US Open in 2008. It prompted pundits to muse if it was the greatest sporting comeback in history, up there with the likes of Monica Seles’ triumphant return to tennis after being stabbed and Muhammad Ali’s boxing comeback in the 1970s.
What’s clear, however, is that sports fans love a story of redemption, seeing one of the best clawing their way back to the top. In light of that, we have picked three such comebacks that could happen this summer. They may not be of the same magnitude as Tiger Woods’ win, but they will blow the roof of the place, regardless.
Murray Puts His Injury Nightmare Behind Him
Few high-profile sports stars have suffered with injuries quite like Andy Murray. The former world number one has had surgery on his hip, prompting the player to question whether he would be able to walk in the future never mind compete at the top end of tennis. Signs are good, however, that Murray will compete in some form at Wimbledon this summer. It’s a big ask for the Brit, although bookies tend to believe it is possible as his odds of 12/1 are nowhere near outsider territory. Can he get past the 6/4 hot-favourite Novak Djokovic or the evergreen Roger Federer (4/1)? It’s going to take a minor miracle for Murray to be ready in time – and that’s also overlooking the fact that his hip might give way. Yet, minor miracles are the reason we watch sport. West London will be rocking if Murray can pull it out of the bag.
McIlroy Wins Mere Miles from his Hometown
Just a few years ago, it would have been inconceivable to the people of Northern Ireland that a tournament as prestigious as the Open would be heading there. It’s a dream come true for Rory McIlroy, who grew up a couple of hours drive away from Royal Portrush. McIlroy’s travails have been nothing like Tiger Woods, but they Northern Irishman has been five years now without a Major. He is the co-favourite for the tournament with Woods at 9/1, but despite Tiger’s popularity, the locals will lend huge support to their man. This could be special, because McIlroy will not only be carrying his own hopes, but representing a nation still trying to come to terms with itself after decades of conflict in the Troubles.
Ajax win the Champions League
The Ajax sides of the 1970s and mid-1990s hold a special place with soccer purists. Teams built on youth and ‘total football’, the purest expressions of the game. As the behemoth clubs of Europe gobbled up all the talent, it seemed that there was no place for Ajax, who had been ‘relegated’ to a secondary status. However, there are signs that a third great dynasty is underway at the Dutch club, who have used a policy of promoting youth to slay the likes of Juventus and Real Madrid en route to the Champions League semi-finals. They are now given odds of 9/2 to win the tournament, down from 100/1 just a couple of months ago. Can they do it? The neutrals will be cheering them on, for sure, as they have fought back to Europe’s top table with style, steel and stunning soccer.
Greatest sporting comebacks of all time
PledgeSports is the global leader in crowdfunding & sponsorship for sport.
For all the latest sports news follow PledgeSports on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.