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Benneteau’s remarkable recovery


 

Originally published on: 01/06/12 00:00

Six weeks ago Julien Benneteau was lying on the court in Monte Carlo in agony with a broken elbow and injuries to his ankle and wrist after falling while playing Andy Murray. Today the world No.32 is through to the third round of the French Open after completing a remarkable recovery.

When Benneteau assessed his prospects for the rest of the summer in Monte Carlo he was doubtful about making Roland Garros and concerned that he might have missed his chance of competing at the Olympics. However, after victories in Paris over Mischa Zverev and Dmitry Tursunov, the 30-year-old Frenchman is right back in the mix for Olympic selection. He is an accomplished doubles player, but if he continues his run he might even start to challenge the four singles players ranked above him who would qualify for the French Olympic squad.

“What's good is that I recovered very quickly,” Benneteau said. “I had this sprained ankle. I had a broken elbow. Just for me being capable of playing was the first victory. That was my objective. I didn't want to jeopardise the rest of my season. For me it meant I wanted to feel fit enough and to have enough practice.

“What was surprising was when I started hitting the ball again for the first time. I was doing this little by little and I could feel no pain. I didn't want to feel any pain, and I was improving every single day, and this is when I thought: ‘Yes, this is possible. I can do it.’

“And it was possible. After this, what's interesting about these two matches is my attitude. I didn’t play for five weeks, so I haven't got the same level of game. Physically I'm not in the same condition compared to Monte Carlo, but I'm efficient and I can win matches.”

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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.