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What's the story?
Indian tennis sensation Sania Mirza is set to miss at least two more months of action including the upcoming Fed Cup, as she has been struggling with a right knee injury since October last year.
She is currently going through rehab and according to her, it's the compulsive rest that is more frustrating than the immense physical pain.
In case you didn't know...
In October 2017, India's finest women's doubles player ever picked up an injury in her right knee which, is called jumper's knee. It looked like surgery was on the cards for the 31-year old, but Sania opted for the long rehabilitation period instead.
The heart of the matter
The six-time Grand Slam winner said to reporters, "It got out of hand so I had to take time off. I could not take pain killers anymore. It is getting better. It's frustrating because you have to rest and do rehab."
She continued, "The toughest thing is the mental part. Like it was difficult to watch Australian Open and not play. It's mental more than the physical pain."
When asked about her participation in the upcoming Fed Cup, Sania said, "I will retire one day, they should get use to it a little bit (laughs). It's going to be tough matches as always. It will be a great experience for them, they are all young."
Mirza has already missed out on the first grand slam of the year, the Australian Open. She is also set to miss the upcoming Fed Cup and is also set to be doubtful for the French Open, which gets underway on May 27.
What's next?
Sania is definitely going to miss out on the Fed Cup starting on February 10, and may even miss the clay season including the French Open. She has also not confirmed her participation in the 2018 Asian Games, which is set to take place in August.
Author's take
It is disappointing to see one of the most successful Indian tennis players in the Open Era miss about half a year and possibly two grand slams. The Indian tennis fans would be hoping the 31-year-old soon returns to action.
