5 tennis players who battled health issues to become the best in the world ft. Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal
The world of professional tennis is grueling, both physically and mentally. Athletes face tremendous challenges on and off the court, including injuries and health issues that can derail their careers. However, some remarkable individuals have demonstrated exceptional resilience, determination, and courage to overcome significant health obstacles and achieve greatness.
Let's take a look at five such inspiring tennis players who fought through various health issues and emerged stronger, ultimately winning top honors in the game:
#5 Serena Williams: Resillient and relentless, an example for the future generations
American tennis icon Serena Williams has overcome significant health challenges to maintain her position at the top of women's tennis. After her victory in the 2010 Wimbledon final, Williams faced a series of health setbacks that threatened to derail her career. A cut to her foot followed by a pulmonary embolism few months later left her incapacitated and fighting for her life.
The American revealed the severity of her condition later, stating that she was on her death bed at one point. The discovery of blood clots in her lungs highlighted the life-threatening nature of her illness. Despite the initial dismissive attitude towards her symptoms, Williams's physiotherapist insisted on hospitalization, potentially saving her career and even her life.
During her recovery, Williams faced numerous physical and mental challenges. Some days, she couldn't even get out of bed, and the second surgery on her lung proved to be mentally tougher than many other trials she had faced. However, Williams's resilience and determination propelled her forward. She gained a new perspective on life and her career, vowing not to take anything for granted.
Returning to the court after a year of absence, Williams brought her star power and determination to the grass courts of Eastbourne. Her presence alone brought excitement and glamour to the tournament. Despite her extended break, she remained a joint favorite to retain her Wimbledon crown, a testament to her unparalleled skills and the lack of top-level rivalries in women's tennis.
Williams couldn't manage to get job done on her return but reclaimed the Venus Rosewater Dish two years later in 2012. She also went on to capture the 2012 US Open, the gold medal in Great Britain at the Summer Olympics and the WTA Finals the following year.
Williams' journey is one of inspiration and triumph over adversity. She overcame a mysterious foot injury and a debilitating pulmonary embolism to make a remarkable comeback. Her unwavering focus, coupled with her exceptional talent, has propelled her to the pinnacle of the sport, making her a 23-times Grand Slam champion and the most successful player of her generation.
#4 Novak Djokovic: A legacy built on elite fitness
Novak Djokovic's journey to becoming one of the most successful tennis players of recent years has been marked by overcoming health issues, including his battle with asthma.
In the book "Novak Djokovic - A lifetime in war" by Daniel Müksch, the author delves into Djokovic's childhood and the impact of the war on his life. Growing up in Serbia amidst air raids and bombed-out houses, Djokovic found solace and normalcy in tennis, beginning his unique career. However, he struggled with giving up quickly in matches, particularly when defeat seemed imminent.
In 2010, Djokovic sought to address this issue and found an ally in Dr. Igor Cetojevic, an alternative doctor from Cyprus. Cetojevic identified an imbalance in Djokovic's digestive tract as the potential cause of his physical exhaustion and believed that toxins in his gut were triggering these problems. He suggested that Djokovic's body might be rejecting wheat in his diet. Although skeptical of classical medicine, Djokovic trusted Dr. Cetojevic and agreed to change his diet.
During a 14-day trial period, Djokovic completely avoided bread and other wheat products, which had been staples of his upbringing. While initially challenging, he experienced significant improvements in his well-being. The Serbian tennis legend slept better, no longer woke up with breathing problems at night, and felt more energized during the day. These positive changes motivated him to continue with the diet transformation.
After the trial period, Djokovic described his experiences to Dr. Cetojevic, who allowed him a bagel as a reward. However, the indulgence resulted in Djokovic feeling terrible the next morning, resembling a hangover.
This incident convinced Djokovic to make a radical shift in his diet, cutting out wheat and dairy products due to his strong intolerance to them. This decision proved to be pivotal in improving his overall health and athletic performance.
By addressing his asthma problem through dietary changes, Djokovic was able to overcome physical limitations and achieve remarkable success in tennis. The Serb is tied with Rafael Nadal for the most number of Grand Slam titles won by any man in the Open Era of tennis (22). He's still going strong in his mid 30's and shows no signs of stopping. Djokovic's fitness is a testament for young players looking to achieve the greatest heights within the sport.
#3 Petra Kvitova: The comeback is better than the setback
Petra Kvitova, a two-time Wimbledon champion, suffered a serious injury to her left hand when she was attacked by a knife-wielding burglar in her home in Prostejov, Czech Republic. The incident was classified as a burglary.
Doctors treated the 26-year-old tennis player for her injuries, and fortunately, they were not life-threatening. The spokesman emphasized that it was a random crime and that Kvitova was not specifically targeted.
However, Kvitova underwent a lengthy three-hour and 45-minute surgery to repair tendons in all five digits of her left hand and two nerves. She wore a cast for six to eight weeks and wasn't able to bear weight for three months during her recovery. The surgeon involved had ruled out Kvitova's return to tennis for at least eight months due to the seriousness of the injury.
The surgery is seen as potentially saving her career, as she suffered lacerations to four fingers and had a knife held to her throat during the attack. Despite the setback, the two-time Wimbledon Champion is a regular now on the women's tour. She most recently claimed the crown at the 2023 WTA 1000 Miami Open and lifted the trophy last year at the Eastbourne International.
The tennis player from Czech Republic has proven her resilience and ability to overcome challenges. Her determination and strength is undoubtedly an example for many looking to achieve success in their respective careers.
#2 Andre Agassi : The embodiment of power and precision in tennis
Throughout his career, tennis legend Andre Agassi battled health issues, particularly concerning his back. By the time he won his last Grand Slam title at the 2003 Australian Open, Agassi had been suffering from back pain for several months. Initially, he mistook the pain for a hip issue and regretted not seeking an earlier diagnosis.
Despite the challenges posed by his back pain, Agassi managed to achieve great success. His strong trunk muscles, developed through years of athleticism, provided crucial support to his spine and helped him tolerate the pain. Agassi's ability to endure suffering played a significant role in his accomplishments.
The 53-year-old reached 15 Grand Slam finals and managed to lift the trophy on eight occassions. He also won the Miami Masters six times in his career. The American finished the year 1999 as World No. 1 and maintained his position in the top 10 for the following seven years before haanging up his boots in 2006.
The unpredictable nature of the pain can disrupt an athlete's rhythm and preparation, which both Agassi encountered on a regular basis. His career serves as a testament to his resilience and determination in overcoming health obstacles. Despite the challenges posed by his back pain, the American tennis icon went on to win numerous prestigious tennis tournaments and cement his legacy as one of the sport's greats.
#1 Rafael Nadal: The prized fighter known for his never-say-die attitude
Rafael Nadal has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the world of tennis, not only for his exceptional skills on the court but also for his persistence and mental toughness in the face of health challenges.
He became the first man in history to win 22 Grand Slam titles when he clinched his record-extending 14th French Open last year. However, behind his remarkable achievements lies a chronic foot injury that has plagued him throughout his career.
Nadal's enduring battle with Mueller-Weiss Syndrome, a rare degenerative condition affecting the bones in his feet, is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the sport he loves.
This syndrome primarily affects the navicular bone in the foot, causing chronic pain and restricting mobility. Since being diagnosed with the condition, Nadal has faced numerous setbacks and challenges on his journey to greatness.
The journey has not been easy. In 2020, the injury forced Nadal to miss significant playing time, and doubts arose about his future in the sport. Nevertheless, Nadal's determination to overcome adversity has always shone through. Despite the constant pain and the challenges it presents, he has managed to continue competing at the highest level, defying the odds and achieving extraordinary success.
In the 2022 French Open, Nadal's foot injury flared up once again, casting doubt on his participation. However, fueled by his unwavering spirit, he pushed through the pain and persevered. With the support of his doctor, he received multiple anesthesia injections to numb the affected area, allowing him to compete at his best.
His ability to perform at such a high level despite the limitations imposed by his injury is truly remarkable. The Spanish tennis legend's story is a reminder that champions are not defined solely by their victories but by their ability to overcome obstacles and push through adversity.