Noah Rubin’s “Behind The Racquet” • With • Ana Konjuh | Tennis 10sBalls

Editor’s note: 10sBalls thanks Noah Rubin for giving us permission to repost these great stories. We wish him and this endeavor the best of luck. Great seeing Noah wearing K-Swiss and playing Solinco Strings.

 

“Ever since I was 12 I remember playing tennis with some kind of pain in my elbow. In order to continue my career I was taking painkillers until one doctor suggested surgery. After finishing a successful junior career at 16, I had to put my professional career on hold for rehab. It actually went well and I was pain free for 3.5 years. Other injuries were holding me back in the meantime, such as a herniated disc in my back and a twisted ankle. These were nowhere near the problems my sister faced. She had some kind of brain inflammation where they weren’t sure if she would pull through, but with a miracle she did. During this difficult time tennis kept me going. Little did I know the problems with my elbow were just starting. I was at a career high of 20 in the world in 2017 and maybe things were going too well. I woke up one morning during a tournament in Canada and couldn’t extend my right arm. After returning home, I found out I needed another surgery where they would shave the bone down and clean the joint. My positivity kept me going through rehab and after a long preseason I was ready to play. This time it only took one match to feel pain. I was forced to rest for six weeks after finding three stress reactions. I was not going to settle any longer and searched for the best doctor I could and ended up in the US. There was still uncertainty and I woke up after my third surgery to find out that they found nothing major and it was just another cleaning. Months of hard work got me back to where I was ready to start the clay and grass season in 2018. Only four matches in it was back. I took six months off from tennis to give it maximum time to recover. Now in 2019, I am trying every possible racquet, string and technique. I felt helpless that this sport, to which I dedicated my life to, is giving me all these problems. If I didn’t love hitting this yellow ball so much I would’ve quit a long time ago but I told myself give yourself one more chance. My fourth and final surgery, 2.5 hours long, ulnar ligament reconstruction. I have about 70% chance of returning but I am going for it. I have this goal set in my mind and I’m not accepting any other outcome.” -Ana Konjuh

 

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You can follow Ana Konjuh on the links below:

Facebook | Ana Konjuh

Twitter | @anakonjuh

Instagram | @anakonjuh

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Facebook | Behind The Racquet

Twitter | @BehindTRacquet

Instagram | @behindtheracquet