Nearly 12 months after her 2024 season abruptly ended, Australia's Storm Hunter announced her scheduled comeback date following a serious injury.
The 30-year-old acquired the No.1 doubles ranking in November 2023, but her world came crashing down when she suffered an Achilles rupture during a practice hit on the eve of Australia's 2024 Billie Jean King Cup qualifier against Mexico in April.
After months of recovery and rehabilitation, the Queenslander is closer than ever to re-entering the professional scene.
Speaking on the Australian Open's The Tennis podcast, Hunter exclusively shared the highly anticipated news.
"I'm pretty much at the 10-month mark since I ruptured my Achilles, and I'm very excited to announce that I'm back," she revealed.
"I'm ready to compete, so we're leaving next week to head to Austin, Texas, for a WTA 250, and then Indian Wells and Miami. I'm going to be playing doubles at those three events.
"I'm not quite ready for singles yet, but it doesn't matter; I'm ready for doubles. I'm excited to get back on the road and get back into being a professional tennis player and close this chapter of being an injured athlete.
"I've been training pretty much full-time, but to be back on tour focused on performance, problem solving, competing; I'm really excited."
Hunter later confirmed that she will feature in doubles alongside America's Caroline Dolehide, one of her "closest friends", having played together a few years ago.
The ATX Open in Texas is set to kick off on February 24.
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