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Rackets and Balls - Tennis News

Down for the Count

by Erica on July 15th, 2008

Written by Darren Whitfield - guest blogger

Lindsay Davenport, once a number one player, has withdrawn from the Bank of the West Classic tournament due to a ongoing knee injury. Davenport stated “she wants to give her knee the proper time to heal.” Lindsay is joinning the long list of players who have become injured due to the rigorous schedules.

Along with Davenport, Guillermo Coria retired today with a shoulder injury in the first round of Kitzbuehel as well as Murray pulling out of Indianapolis at the last moment citing injury.

In recent weeks, both the WTA and the ATP have been raising concerns about the number of tournaments and a short span of time. The increase in tournaments has meant for little time to rest and an increase in injured players. The list of players pulling out of tournaments has increased so much that the is downgrading Hamburg to a smaller event in hopes to allow top player to rest before Paris.

The question is does there need to be a revamp of the schedules to allow for more rest? The truth of the matter is people are paying to see big names but the big names aren’t showing because they are overworked and want to have time in between majors to prepare. Both the ATP and WTA need to look at the schedules and figure out a way to change the number of events. Not only are the players suffering by getting injured but the fans suffer because they are exposed to poor matches and pull outs. I believe if the tournament season remains the same the sport will suffer. What do you think about the schedule. We all know how Hamburg feels.

POSTED IN: Miscellaneous

2 opinions for Down for the Count

  • Tennis
    Jul 18, 2008 at 1:22 pm

    Davenport needs to retire gracefully. Brett Favre is realizing his body can’t handle the demands of his sport. Michael Jordan loved basketball so much he kept playing until he was no longer any good. Some players just need to accept it’s time to let it go.

  • Erica
    Jul 20, 2008 at 10:50 pm

    I agree with you completely. It is sad when such good player are unable to see they are longer at the top of the game and they probably won’t be able to return. Lindsay was such a great champion and it is sad to see her in decline.

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