French badminton player Margot Lambert returned to international competition at the Internationaux de France in Tremblay-en-France, playing alongside doubles partner Camille Pognante after recovering from emergency cervical disc surgery, RMC Sport reported. Lambert described the comeback as a positive milestone, noting, “it is already cool” to be back on court.

Emergency Cervical Surgery and Nerve Complications

Severe neck pain that left Lambert unable to move began in April, leading to emergency surgery performed by a specialist in Paris just one week later. The cervical disc herniation placed heavy pressure on a nerve root, causing inflammation and significant loss of strength in Lambert’s right arm. Medical examinations conducted weeks after the operation revealed muscle edema in the shoulder and arm, resulting from insufficient nerve signaling that left parts of the muscle temporarily inactive. Doctors could not provide a precise timeline for recovery, creating an extended period of uncertainty regarding whether she would compete at a high level again. “One wonders if one will be able to play at a high level,” Lambert admitted, describing the psychological toll of not knowing when she could return. Initially, medical staff did not detect the full extent of her strength loss because the pain was so severe that physical testing was limited.

Gradual Recovery and Adaptation at the Arena Grand Paris

Rehabilitation required extensive physical reinforcement, and early attempts to hit a shuttlecock proved difficult as Lambert’s wrist remained locked in certain positions. “The first times I hit the shuttlecock, it was a bit hard, yes,” she recalled. She progressed from restricted 45-minute training sessions to 90-minute blocks without major restriction. Lambert and Pognante entered the Internationaux de France at the Arena Grand Paris with their world ranking frozen during the absence, opting to skip earlier tournaments in Finland and Denmark because the timeline was too tight. Lambert noted that her trademark aggressive smash, which previously approached 390 kilometers per hour, remains an open question as she tests her strength against top-tier opponents on home soil. While she is currently pain-free and cleared to play, she noted that her arm strength has not yet returned to 100 percent.

Next Steps on the Badminton Tour

Following the Internationaux de France, Lambert and Pognante plan to contest two additional tournaments before the end of the year, building toward the 2007 season and upcoming format adjustments on the international circuit. The pair will use the remaining matches of the current calendar to readjust their tactical partnership after two years competing together. Despite the months of inactivity, Lambert remains optimistic, viewing the setback as a potential long-term benefit that could help them return stronger. Prior to the surgery in April, the duo had been on an upward trajectory, reaching a career-high ranking of 18th in the world.