Hey there, fellow tennis enthusiasts I’m Mia Johnson-Carter, and I’m here to give you the scoop on what’s happening in the world of tennis. Today, we’ve got some big news that’s got everyone talking, especially when it comes to injuries and fitness in tennis.
First off, let’s talk about Emma Raducanu. The 2021 US Open champion has been dealing with some major injury issues since starting her career. After a breakthrough year in 2021, Raducanu had a very rough 2022 season both in terms of results and injuries. She was either dealing with a left or right wrist issue for the entire year[1]. To address these issues, she hired Andy Murray’s former strength and conditioning coach Jez Green in 2023, hoping to focus on getting stronger and avoiding injuries[1].
Unfortunately for Raducanu, it didn’t happen. In her very first tournament of 2023, she badly rolled her ankle in Auckland. This led to her playing only five tournaments last year before deciding it was time to surgically address her injuries. However, her recovery didn’t go as expected, and that’s when some doubts started to creep in. She couldn’t watch tennis anymore because of how difficult her recovery was[1].
“I was out for eight months and I had three surgeries and the rehab wasn’t as straightforward as everyone planned. Initially the return to play was only meant to be four months and it ended up being double because I came back a bit too quickly and then did more damage. So I think I also learned a lesson in patience and trying to rush things,” Raducanu told HSBC in late October[1].
In recent news, Raducanu is reportedly exploring the prospect of hiring Maria Sharapova’s former long-time fitness coach Yutaka Nakamura. This move could be a statement of intent if she goes ahead, as Nakamura has worked with several top players including Sharapova and Naomi Osaka[1].
While Raducanu managed to return to tennis at the start of 2024 without major injury issues, she recently picked up a ligament injury that has kept her sidelined for nearly two months. It’s clear that she’s thinking about her fitness and training regimen more than ever before.
“Emma Raducanu is looking at hiring Yutaka Nakamura, the fitness trainer who worked with Sharapova for 8 years, and then Osaka among others. Will be a statement of intent if she goes ahead,” via Simon Briggs of The Telegraph[1].
Raducanu’s journey is a reminder that injuries are an inevitable part of the sport, but how you manage them can make all the difference. As we watch her journey, we can’t help but think about how crucial fitness and recovery are in tennis.
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