Christian Harrison: Eight Surgeries, Yet I Never Gave Up on Dreams

Christian Harrison: Conquering Challenges, One Dream at a Time

The American doubles sensation shares his inspiring story in a first-person essay, detailing the hurdles he has faced while striving to compete at the highest level in tennis.

November 09, 2025

The agony was overwhelming. Sleep was elusive, and I felt immobilized.

As a 14-year-old, I was ranked above all my peers globally. A promising career lay ahead of me. Fast forward to today, a determined 31-year-old preparing to partner with Evan King at the Nitto ATP Finals, vying for one of tennis’s most coveted titles.

Reflecting on my journey to this moment reveals a saga of resilience and determination.

Seventeen years ago, a bone infection in my left femur changed everything. At that time, I only recognized an unyielding ache in my leg, yet it was the bone itself that was in crisis.

This issue first emerged when I was just seven or eight, but it escalated dramatically around my fourteenth birthday, doubling in severity within weeks.

With numerous misdiagnoses, uncovering the real issue became a daunting task. Learning that it was a bone infection was strangely reassuring, as it finally provided clarity.

Bone infections can escalate quickly and lead to severe complications. Indeed, before modern treatments existed, amputation was often the only recourse for such pain. Fortunately, I received exceptional medical care, which I consider a stroke of luck.

Thanks to Nick Bollettieri, I was referred to the Mayo Clinic, allowing my family and me to get the necessary treatment. Following surgery, my recovery was smooth, merely a matter of time.

Yet, my trials were just beginning. At 19, I tore my hip’s labrum, leading to a series of surgeries including two for my hips, one for my shoulder, one for my wrist, and two for my adductors—all within a single year.

This series of setbacks kept me sidelined for nearly three years. Chronic complications arose from the extensive surgeries, and I found myself missing additional time in subsequent years.

During those trying moments, maintaining a positive outlook was crucial. I constantly reminded myself that things could be worse. Though it was undeniably tough, I never allowed my motivation to wane, always believing there was a path forward.

My brother Ryan, who continued to thrive in the sport with a career high of No. 40 in singles and No. 16 in doubles, was a beacon of inspiration. His success kept me engaged and dreaming, reminding me of my aspirations.

The most challenging moments weren’t when I was sidelined, but rather, when I returned to the court. Regaining the standard I expected of myself was a gradual process. However, I remained confident that my love for the game would never fade.

From the age of 15, I spent nearly nine years away from the court, yet I eventually found my way back, rising to the Top 200 in the PIF ATP Rankings and reaching the semi-finals of an ATP Tour event in Delray Beach as a qualifier in 2021.

I made my first appearance in a major main draw in 2016 and repeated the feat at Wimbledon two years later, finally returning to the prestigious tournament once more in 2022.

During my first match at Wimbledon against Jay Clarke, I injured my right foot. Leading two sets to none, I had time to think while he took a bathroom break.

The persistent issue intensified, and I struggled to bear weight on my foot. Despite this, I wrapped it up and pushed through to win the match, only to withdraw from my next bout.

^{Photo: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images}

A fracture in my heel was the culprit. Tears flowed after my first match because I knew a significant layoff awaited me, and I had already contemplated focusing on doubles. Following one of the most significant milestones in my career, a period of inactivity loomed ahead.

Yet at my young age, I maintained faith in a comeback—and I wanted it more than anything. The sheer joy of playing tennis fuels my drive. It’s a sentiment echoed by legends like Novak Djokovic and Stan Wawrinka, who continue to compete for their love of the game. I share that passion.

Transitioning to full-time doubles last season, I now find myself competing in the Nitto ATP Finals alongside the sport’s elite, including Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.

Experiencing this moment fills me with gratitude. Battling within the grand arenas, like Inalpi Arena, proves exhilarating. Every early morning, every moment of fatigue when I fight just to embrace the game is worth it, reminding me of my roots and the purpose behind my journey.

I refused to surrender to the challenges of injuries or surgeries as the reasons to abandon my passion.

While the future remains uncertain, I am immensely thankful for every moment and committed to playing for as long as I can.