Torn Rotator Cuff
This is the kind of post that I would attack if it was written by an opposing attorney in support of a motion…since it is pure speculation. However, that is what the internet is for, no? Jon Wertheim ranked his concern level about Sharapova’s career as a 7 out of 10. And that was in mid-January.
Things are not looking good for the Sharapova shoulder. MIA since July 2008 with a torn rotator cuff, Sharapova originally planned to return in time for the Australian. She withdrew. Maria has now pulled out of events in Paris and Dubai.
The signs out of Camp Sharapova are ominous. Because tennis does not have mandatory injury reports, not much is known about what is really happening with the shoulder. The players and their lackeys can say whatever they want, and that’s their right. So far, the only information from her camp has been happy talk. Maria was putting the “return-is-just-weeks-away” face on things as far back as the US Open in August.When she pulled out of the A.O., her released statement said the shoulder wasn’t quite ready yet.
Her current statement over on the official website is just as positive, claiming that “My shoulder continues to improve every day and I’m working hard on the practice court.” That’s obviously bull. That’s been the party line for almost a year. If she had reconstructive shoulder surgery that might make sense. But she hasn’t.
It should be obvious that something major is wrong. As risky as rotator cuff surgery is for a tennis player, you have to wonder if surgery has been presented as an option for her yet. Hopefully daddy Sharapova, who is as a controlling tennis parent as we’ve seen in a while, isn’t leading her astray with prognosis and diagnosis. Maria, you have the right to take control of your own career and health.
As much as I despise that shrieking, I have to pull for a full recovery. Sharapova has the talent and work ethic to be in the thick of things for the next decade. Certainly she is the only person remotely able to compete with Serena for the top ranking.
Passing Shots 
Posted on February 11, 2009
0