Top Players on the Mend as Australian Open Set to Begin

January 12, 2012 | By New York Tennis Magazine Staff
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The top injured players in tennis are continuing to improve their games heading into the Australian Open. Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, Caroline Wozniacki, and the defending champ Kim Clijsters have said they have seen progress in recovery and are primed and ready for next week’s first Grand Slam of 2012 in Melbourne, Australia.

Wozniacki is facing a swollen left wrist, Serena has a sprained ankle, Clijsters is facing hip spasms, and Nadal is facing just a sore left shoulder. Nadal has played through his injury since it was first realized in late last season. Wozniacki has required treatment during her deciding match of her loss at the Sydney International.

Williams had pulled out of the Brisbane International which was held last week after spraining her ankle during her second round match. As far as Wozniacki’s injury goes, an MRI had shown that there was no major damage.

"It’s inflamed, and she will continue to have it monitored and it’s hopeful she will play in the Australian Open," said a WTA spokesperson.

Nadal said that "he will try to do his best and that his shoulder is good."

"It’s not 100 percent but it’s better than it was last week," continued Nadal. "I feel great. And I feel like I’m really fit. And I feel like this is definitely some of the fittest I have been in my career."

Clijsters went for a scan on her hip which also showed no major muscle tears. She was last training at Melbourne Park and looked in good shape going into defend her title. Petkovic has withdrawn from the Australian Open with a back strain that could keep her off the court for the first two months of this year.

Maria Sharapova had withdrawn from the Brisbane International, however, she is looking ready to compete at the Australian Open which commences on Jan. 16.

 

 

 


New York Tennis Magazine Staff
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