Serena Williams talks about her return to tennis after pulmonary embolism - WTA update
Former World Number one and 2010 Wimbledon title-holder, Serena Williams, was recently rushed to the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles to undergo emergency treatment and removal of a hematoma in her lungs. This occurred just after the diagnosis
and treatment of a blood clot found in her lungs.
The American tennis star has suffered some very bad luck over the last few months. She has not been able to participate in a single Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) event since her Wimbledon win, after which she suffered a glass cut to her right foot. However,
the player had recently removed her protective boot and begun slow rehabilitation when the news of her blood clot broke.
Serena Williams had set a tentative comeback date for this spring, aiming to return to the professional tour in time for the 2011 French Open. However, this news has thrown her plans into disarray and forced her to reconsider a comeback. She is now setting
an early summer return as her new target.
The multiple Grand Slam winner, gave a statement about her injury, saying, “This has been extremely hard, scary and disappointing. I know I will be OK, but am praying and hoping this will all be behind me soon. While I can’t make any promises now on my return,
I hope to be back by early summer. That said, my main goal is to make sure I get there safely.”
The WTA also expressed concerns about Serena’s condition saying, “We are very heartened to hear (that) Serena is now recovering ... Serena is a champion on and off the court, and we along with her millions of fans wish her a speedy recovery.” In addition
to this, players such as World Number one Caroline Wozniacki and 2011 Australian Open champion Kim Clijsters also used Twitter as a medium to sympathize with the player.
Serena Williams has suffered a ten-spot drop in the rankings due to her injuries and will probably fall further before she returns to the tour. However, the player is known for re-establishing herself as a strong contender despite stretches of absence. Supporters
point to her 2007 Australian Open victory, which came at a time when she was unseeded at 81 in the World Rankings. The American pro is expected to make a full recovery.
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