"I saw everyone playing tournaments I was supposed to be playing " - Kenin on painful recovery

Friday, 16 September 2022 at 05:00

Updated at Sunday, 02 February 2025 at 14:37

byZachary Wimer

Sofia Kenin couldn't follow up on her 2020 Australian Open triumph in recent years, and she now reflected on her struggles.

Two years after her sensational Australian Open win, the American player is ranked as the World No. 312 on the WTA Tour. In recent months, she has struggled with injuries. Now, after months of rehabilitation, Kenin is trying to make a comeback.

Kenin might be a former WTA World No. 4 player, but she lost 11 out of 15 matches she played this year. That may also be one of the reasons why, during National Recovery Month, she reminded her fans about the journey she's been through with a post on social media.

"Since September is National Recovery Month, I wanted to share some of my own experiences recovering from injury. I hope this can help anyone who is going through something similar! When I injured my ankle, it was really tough not being able to compete and travel."

"I saw everyone playing the tournaments I was supposed to be playing in, and of course, it made me sad, and I felt pretty down. But I knew that I had to put my health first because that is most important, even outside of tennis."

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Kenin admitted that it was hard for her to see others playing tournaments she was supposed to play, but at the same time, she knew that if she worked hard enough, she would be able to come back and compete.

"As soon as I was able, I began going to physical therapy every day and doing everything I could to get back to doing what I love - playing and competing. Once my body started to heal and I got stronger, I felt better mentally because I knew that soon enough, I would be back on the court."

"I had a great support system to get me through my injury and the team at KT tape was a huge part of that. Keeping a positive mindset and focusing on the bigger picture was super important to me during this time, and it still is as I continue to get better on and off the court!"