56 Weeks: hitting back
I did it! I’ve mustered enough courage to play tennis again, after a year from surgery. I felt I not only had a scar on my leg but also in my mind as I walk -run to the tennis courts. My mind was debating: ” why do you have to play tennis again? aren’t you happy that you can run and cycle again?”. But as I got close enough to the courts, my friends saw me and I knew there was no turning back now. My friends were also aware that that was going to be my return game, so they too were excited (or apprehensive maybe).
After a few minutes of warm up rally, the game started. We played doubles. I had no problem on my strokes. But on the first time I got a return shot that was too wide from me, I started to chase it but then I froze after 2 steps - my mind was not sure I should be doing that. The other guys noticed and kidded the guy who made the return shot: ” hey! you’re making him run already!” . Well, I know I could run or sprint now. So I told my mind to relax and just play. My mind didn’t really comply immediately and I kep touching my achilles when there was a lull in the game. But eventually, before the first set was over, I was chasing the ball and attacking the net. After the game, one of the guys said that he noticed at the start of the first set, I even had a limp which disappeared gradually towards end of the set. I did not know I was doing that but I guess my subconscious is just really really worried about what I’m trying to do.
When I woke up this morning, I felt my ATR leg and it was fine. I did have some soreness at my upper leg but I expected that. After all it’s been a while these legs have seen the sudden start and stop action of tennis. In general, I felt good and I even went out for a run.
Good day Everyone!
on July 18th, 2013 at 4:32 pm
Encouraging news. I could feel the apprehension as I can’t quite imagine going back to a raquet sport. Anyway, well done! Enjoy!!
on July 18th, 2013 at 6:25 pm
Yay! Don’t stop! And don’t even THINK about the elevated risk of doing an ATR on the other side! (Wait, did I say that out loud?)
on July 21st, 2013 at 3:16 pm
I remember pulling my boots on after nealy 3 years (football or soccer) I d broken my tibia&fibia during a cup final.
On my comeback, I was cautious getting ready but when the whistle went it was like I’d never been away.
The joy I felt aftewards was worth the worry. To those wanting to get back to the sport they love I say this, keep the faith and aim high. when its impossible to play you’ll wish you’d done things differently. If you could have done more, you’ll have regrets.
As it stands, I’m injured again with an ATR, but I’ll be back…
on July 22nd, 2013 at 1:42 pm
Fellow tennis player here…glad to hear you are back on the court. How was serving?
on July 23rd, 2013 at 2:16 am
I’ve been playing tennis for several nights now. I gave it a rest after the first 2 nights due to muscle soreness all over
. Slowly getting my game back. I try to serve like before but the percentage is still not good so I keep it controlled for the moment and not let the opponent win on double faults. Its getting there!
on April 26th, 2014 at 10:37 am
Another fellow tennis player here. I’m just 6-weeks into my recovery, but already thinking about the day I return to the courts. Was it recommended to you to wait so long, or was it the mental aspect that delayed your return? At this point, I’m hoping I can at least go hit some balls with someone nearer the 6-month mark. I’m both excited and apprehensive just thinking about it. Thanks for sharing your positive experience. -David