Injuries are an unfortunate part of every sport. Just ask Yates Johnson.

He was on an upward trajectory in men’s singles until a quarterfinal matchup against Connor Garnett at the CIBC Atlanta Slam last September. 

“I hit a return, my left foot slipped, and I felt a couple of pops in my hip and groin area. I went on to win the game, but I had some sharp pain,” recalled Johnson. “Afterwards, I ended up getting an MRI and found out I had a groin injury.”

The injury sidelined Johnson for 10 months, which was understandably frustrating since he didn’t need surgery, but there was no clear return date in sight. 

“It was a brutal injury because I didn’t know if it was going to take six weeks or a year. It was just a lot of sitting around and waiting to see when it recovered,” he said. “Recovery is boring, but it’s what you have to do. I was pretty limited for the first few months, just going to the gym and working on my upper body.”

Johnson still traveled alongside his twin brother, Hunter, and sat courtside to help coach.

That certainly helped Hunter's cause since he reached a career-high ranking of World No. 2 in men’s singles behind only Federico Staksrud.

Basically, Yates enjoyed plenty of film study with Hunter to keep himself locked in.

“It was great to fall into a coaching role and I enjoyed it because there wasn’t much I could do than just support Hunter. I was totally fine with it,” said Johnson. “It helped me see patterns and weaknesses. I’m pretty analytical, but watching and helping coach has helped me to see the ball a little differently now.”

Heading into the next half of the season, Johnson is excited to compete again.

And while Yates and Hunter have that friendly competition between them, Yates has nothing but love and support for his sibling. 

“It’s been tough being here when you’re sidelined. And I’m so happy for Hunter because he’s gone on to win six golds now, a couple of silvers and bronzes,” praised Johnson. “It’s been really cool to see him take off and it gives me confidence because I think I can do the same now that I’m fully healthy.”

At this point, Yates gets to play with zero pressure. 

“There’s not really an expectation because I have nothing to lose,” he shared. “I’m going out there and having fun, and that’s a dangerous spot to be in for your competitors because if you don’t have anything to lose, you’re playing free and having fun.”

Despite the disappointment of injury, Johnson has maintained a joyful demeanor and a positive outlook.

He wouldn't have it any other way.

“For me, it’s really just leaning on my faith and trusting God that there’s a bigger plan. Everyone is going to have setbacks and injuries, and that’s just a part of the sport. You can’t have peaks without the valleys,” he explained. “When things are out of your control and out of your hands, there’s not any reason to stress about it and get worked up. I just had faith that eventually I’m going to get better and my time will come.”

Yates will definitely be a player to watch now that he’s back and ready to roll.

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