On fitness front, it's disadvantage Sania

April 24, 2006

Though I have strained my elbow in the (Federation Cup) tie against Chinese Taipei, it isnbt something that will deter me from going flat out against Australia in the final.bSania Mirza, The Indian Express, April 22

Plagued by a series of injuries on her first full year on the professional tour, itbs time for Indian tennis star Sania Mirza to take a reality check: is she running herself to the ground?

The 19-year-old has played 12 singles and 19 doubles matches this year. And on Saturday, she completed a Fed Cup assignment for India (four more matches) in Seoul, despite injuries to her serving elbow and lower backbIndia lost to Australia in the zone final. Now, a fitness expert whobs been closely associated with Sania has raised the red flag, warning that she may be bforcing her body beyond the limitb“Sania is trying beyond her capacity. To keep up with the pace on the tour, she is forcing her body beyond limit. She’s only 19, she shouldn’t rush things. My advice to her is—listen to your body, work on your mobility on court and overall strength,â€Roy, who has given Sania a diet chart to follow, feels that a balanced diet is crucial to endure rigorous training sessions at the highest level. “It is unfortunate that youngsters in India don’t realise the importance of a balanced diet comprising energy-yielding and body-building food. Foreign players are very disciplined in their food habits. Also, Indians give themselves very little time to recover. They don’t take a break unless it becomes impossible for them to continue playing anymore,bFor Sania then, three-four weeks of rest would be top priority now before she gets back into the grind—that is, if all goes well.

Her injury scorecard • Aug 2005: Pulls abdominal muscle. Plays US Open with foot blisters b" Oct 2005: Lower back strain, retires from Thailand Open b" Jan 2006: Twists ankle. Plays Australian Open with taped knee b" Feb 2006: Injures right elbow during Bangalore Open, goes on to play Dubai Open b" April 2006: Hit by muscle spasm, hyperextension of lower back. Ignores doctorbs advice to play Fed Cup in Seoul