Monday, February 15, 2010

Del Potro, out for at least a month with wrist injury




Today, I want to talk about injuries. They're very common at any level of competitive sports, although they seem to be getting more prevalent. Especially, amongst the top players in mens tennis. Just in the last 7 months, 6 of the top 10, have been affected by some kind of an injury. Why is that? Is it because of the lack of time off between tournaments? The over-scheduling of their season's? inadequate technique? Luck? Is it all of these things or none of them?

Despite being one of the oldest players in the top 10 Roger Federer, has never seemed to struggle with injuries. He's had the occasional spat with his back and came down with mono a couple of years ago but otherwise, he's been completely healthy. His technique and well managed playing schedule has allowed him to keep his injuries to an absolute minimum and even at 28 years old he's one of the fittest players on tour.

Now compare him to someone like Lleyton Hewitt or Joachim Johansson. Both players, started on tour around the same time as Roger but they've had completely different kinds of career because of their injuries. In Lleyton's, case it's been his hip that's slowed him down and for Johansson, it's been his shoulder. I don't see either one of them lasting on tour, much longer, which is a same because injuries aside, they were great players.

Nadal, is yet another player, who is in serious danger of having a shortened career from his injuries. He's no longer the fastest player on tour and he can't go more than a few months without having to take time off to rest his knees.

Juan Martin Del Potro, should be very careful with this injury. This isn't the first time that he's had problems with his wrist. If he does irreparable damage to it, then it could mean the end of his career. I hope he takes all the time off, that he needs to make a full recovery.

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