Open Letter

This is an open letter to every tennis player out there that has gone through or is at the moment going through an injury. I am going to use my experience to explain myself better.

So this is what happened to me one month ago: I had the misfortune of ripping the psoas muscles because I over-trained for a competition. (For everybody that is not familiar with the term, they are also known as the hip muscles that affect the abdomen and the legs). I know it sounds pretty silly pushing myself to the limits, but at that moment it seemed like the right thing to do... Our mind could be our greatest weapon or greatest enemy; we only have to give the right approach to things. Thankfully the human body is wise and let us learn from our mistakes. Well, now I can turn the page and say; lesson learned. 

Using my experience, I now understand what professional athletes go through whenever they have an injury. I mean, most fans try to imagine what the players feel and wish them a very speedy recovery so that they can see their favorite player back on court, but the truth is that we don’t really understand what players go through when they are away from what they love the most: tennis. 

We were all witness of the outrageous amount of retirements this year's US Open brought. It is not easy for fans to see our favorites call it a match and exit with injury, but it is even worse being the one that actually suffers the injury and has to say goodbye to the tournament. Injures are athletes worst nightmares, and because of that they try to avoid them at all costs. The hard work they put in their everyday practice session is amazing, they give it all. Unfortunately injuries happen when you least expect them and you have to carry the burden until you can get back on your feet and start over.

As for my experience, I have had injuries before that stopped me from doing sports for a month, maybe two, but nothing like this. Knowing that you still have months and months of recovery and maybe a year and still don't know for sure if you are going to get back to your sport 100% is a feeling I can't wish it to anyone. Ever.

I'm no professional athlete who plays tennis for a living, I happen to be a geography student who is in love with the sport. Now I respect and have even more admiration for the players who have made a huge comeback after being away from tennis for so long: Bethanie MS, Ana Ivanovic, Juan Martin Del Potro, Dinara Safina, Serena Williams, Rafa Nadal, Kim Clijsters, Novak Djokovic, only to name a few. 

So what I'm trying to say is that we appreciate the effort you make on being ready to step back on court, we really do. But, if you feel you are not ready and you probably need a little bit more time, don't rush things; take all the time that you need in order to get fully recovered. Fans will ALWAYS wait. Always.

*Live the life that you love. Live your tennis as you know.