Sania's injuries not that serious

April 22, 2006

The elbow and wrist injuries that Sania Mirza is nursing even as she turns out for India in the Fed Cup in Seoul, are not of a serious nature, feels her doctor, though even the slightest aggravation of the injuries could delay her rehabilitation process.

Dr KJ Reddy, the senior orthopaedic consultant with Apollo Hospital here, whose primary task was to see that Sania recovers in time for the French Open that begins in Paris on May 28, had advised Sania a three-week rest, but had to "give in" after the player impressed upon him how important she was for the Indian team.

"In view of the short time she has for recovery and preparation before the French Open, I had advised her to stay away from the game for three weeks. Both the injuries required immediate attention. But she convinced me saying that she will need to play just one match per tie," Dr Reddy said.

Presuming that Sania would be back soon and undergoes a three-week treatment, she will have just about a week to get herself back into match fitness. That would appear a bit difficult, but not for Dr Reddy. "We have designed a specific recovery programme for her which should see her back in action in maybe less than three weeks. And as for her fitness, I think she is a fine athlete and a hard working girl."

Notwithstanding the doctor's confidence, the fact is most players come into Grand Slam events in peak fitness, and Sania may not be ready to extend herself against top ranked players. And in case she does, is there any risk?

"There is no need to worry about the recurrence of these injuries. She only needs proper treatment and enough rest. In fact, every tennis player goes through this phase. I can assure you her game will be never affected by these sort of injuries," said Dr Reddy.

The doctor, however, had a word of caution. "She should never neglect these sort of injuries. That is why I told her not to play till she attains complete recovery. It is a bit unfortunate to sustain so many injuries at such a young age," he said.