By IANS,
New Delhi : Australian Open mixed doubles champion Sania Mirza has recovered from the abdominal tear that kept her away from the Fed Cup, and will leave for Bangkok Monday to play in the Pattaya Open.
The 22-year-old Hyderabadi was here to see her physiotherapist Jatin Chaudhry, who tended her troublesome wrist.
Sania, who had a brief practice session at the Delhi Lawn Tennis Association ( DLTA) courts with Delhi youngster Vivek Shokeen Thursday, said she no longer felt the strain.
“I served for the first time since Sunday and felt no pain. I played without wearing tape today and I felt comfortable. However, since I usually feel sore the next day, let me see how I feel in the morning,” she said.
Sania said she felt the tear in the first match of the Australian Open but refrained from going for a scan during the tournament. However, when she had the scan, Sania said, she was shocked to know that there was a three-and-a half centimetres tear.
“The doctors there said I will be needing at least five weeks’ rest . But I chose to play with the abdomen taped. The last time I had a stomach tear, it was three year ago and that kept me out for almost seven weeks .
“So, I preferred to take it slow this time. Otherwise, I would have played the Fed Cup, ” she said.
Sania is happy with the progress of her injured wrist, which kept her out of tennis much of last year.
“I am feeling quite positive about my wrist. I was playing against men and my wrist held up quite well. Not once did I need to ice it in Australia.”
Chaudhry, who was at the DLTA watching his two clients, (Shokeen too is taking treatment from him for his wrist), practice, said Sania is completely fit and can play the tournament at Bangkok.
“Sania is absolutely fit. The doctors in Australia may have diagnosed a tear, but I think it is only a muscle pull bordering a partial tear. I saw her in the morning and again after her practice session. She is fit to play,” said Chaudhry who was recommended to Sania by cricketer Yuvraj Singh.
” I am happy she won the Grand Slam and I am really proud of her, ” said Chaudhry.