Recurring injuries continue to frustrate me

I’ve had my most successful half year in doubles so far, beating some of the world’s best combinations, while playing with various partners.

I’ve had my most successful half year in doubles so far, beating some of the world’s best combinations, while playing with various partners. In singles, the results have been less satisfying although some of the losses have come against the likes of Hingis, Dementieva and Myskina.

One area that continues to frustrate me in singles is the recurrence of injuries that has not only restricted my movements on court but also prevented me from getting long enough continuous stints on the circuit.

Being injury-prone for a while, I’ve not been in a condition to work out enough to make myself fitter, swifter and stronger. This is bound to hurt me when competing at the highest level. I reached the pre-quarter-final stage in doubles at the French Open this week. This was the first time I achieved this in doubles in a Grand Slam although I did reach the last-16 stage in US Open in singles last year.

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My doubles partner, Husarova and I bowed out in Paris against the seasoned combination of Danilidou and Garriguez on Tuesday.

I’ve played with dozens of partners over the last few years out of necessity, rather than choice, but the one I’ve thoroughly enjoyed partnering is Liezel Huber of South Africa. We have a great record together, having won two titles and reached a final and a quarter-final in the four tournaments we’ve played together.

Unfortunately, Liezel, like all the other doubles specialists, is committed to play with her regular doubles partner for the season.

I will be playing with Alicia Molik this week in Birmingham. We did well together, reaching the final at Istanbul a fortnight ago. On grass, we could be a dangerous combination again.

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That then, is the scene in doubles but let me quickly reassure my supporters that I am so looking forward to give them something to cheer about in singles as well. Pray that the injuries will now stay away for a long time.