Azar out of 18 and under tourney with suspected broken ankle
Published:Saturday | April 29, 2023 | 12:36 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
Daniel Azar, Jamaica’s number-one seed at the International Tennis Federation (ITF) 18 and under junior tournament at the Eric Bell National Tennis Centre, is injured and is out of the tournament. Azar sustained a suspected broken ankle during his quarter-final match against Bullion Sharpe of the United States on Thursday.
Azar had lost the first set 6-3, and even fell behind 2-0 and then 3-1 in the second set. He fought back to win a tight second set 7-5.
The Jamaican then went up 3-2 in the third and deciding set, before the unexpected happened.
“In the third set I was winning and the injury took place. But I fought through and finished the match, even though it was very tough. I never wanted to lose, so I fought through to the end,” he said.
During an intense rally the young player, while moving to his right, took a nasty fall and rolled his ankle in the process.
After calling an injury time out and was assessed by the medical staff, he was advised to pull out of the match. However, he continued and while unable to put pressure on the right ankle he went up 4-3 in match.
However, the swelling and severity of the injury worsened and he eventually lost the set 6-4.
“It was very devastating. I was playing well and was very confident in winning the last set. I knew I was going to win. But then injury came and set me back. It also put me out of the doubles and next week’s tournament, so I am just trying to stay positive,” he continued.
The player is now in a walking boot and on crutches, after seeing an orthopaedic specialist. He is suspected to have fractured his right ankle in the fall, but his doctor is waiting for the swelling to subside before performing an x-ray to confirm the diagnosis.
The injury is expected to keep him on the sidelines for a minimum six to eight weeks.
“The doctor told me he is not certain about the time, but I will be out be for about two months. But things happen for a reason and it is a part of the journey.
“I was very happy with how I was playing. I was feeling good and confident, unfortunately this happened.
“But it’s always great to be home and to compete in front of the home crowd, and I am thankful and glad I had the opportunity,” added the Saddlebrook Tennis Academy student.