A new year means a new tennis season and already several top players are hobbled by injuries and illness. Roger Federer has a wonky back, Kim Clijsters’ hip is acting up, Serena Williams has sprained her ankle, Rafael Nadal has a sore shoulder and Sabine Lisciki has an injured tummy.
The Australian Open hasn’t even started yet. Once it begins, we’ll be missing Marin Cilic (knee), Venus Williams (auto-immune disorder), Robin Soderling (Mono) and Tommy Robredo (groin). Those are the ones we know about right now. Just this week, Svetlana Kuznetsova, Amer Delic, Flavia Penetta, and Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez have all had to retire from their matches due to injuries and illness.
It’s worrying. First, because it’s so early in the year and some of the biggest stars have been transformed into the Walking Wounded. Second, it’s a situation that has been written about over and over again. The thing is, what’s going to be done about it? Even former players like Brad Gilbert are speaking out about the need to change the schedule to allow extended breaks during the season. Will their appeals fall on deaf ears once again or will we have to look forward to more withdrawals?
Let’s face it. All of these injuries hurt the sport. Sponsor dollars depend on top players being in tip top shape. It can’t look good when the major fashion accessory at a Slam is healing tape. The time for discussion is over. If the players want things to change, they are the ones that are going to have to do it. If they decide to take some action, they will have my full support.
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