National tennis player Daniel Azar is a relieved man after tests revealed that he did not sustain a fracture when he picked up an injury at the recent International Tennis Federation (ITF) 18 and under junior tournament at the Eric Bell National Tennis Centre.
Azar, Jamaica’s top seed at the tournament, was well on his way to qualifying for the semi-finals when he fell and rolled his ankle.
Initially, the prognosis was that the foot was fractured. However, after seeing an orthopaedic specialist on Wednesday, the player was told there was no fracture and he would not require surgery.
“It wasn’t a fracture. I am very thankful it is nothing serious,” Azar told The Gleaner. “It is not the type of injury that will prevent me from playing for a while. So I am very thankful, and I am excited to get back on court as soon as I can,” he said.
The player will be off crutches by next week, but will remain in the walking boot for approximately six weeks. Azar noted that this is not a major setback, as he will be able to do some training while recovering.
“These things happen. You will have injuries and setbacks, but you just have to stay positive. This will not stop me from training, because I will be doing work that does not involve my foot. I will just be working on the body and staying fit.
“It will take about six weeks (to heal) but the doctor said it is mainly up to me and when I can return to training. So that is merely an estimate, it’s whenever my body feels right and confident to go back out there,” he said.
The young Azar was battling Bullion Sharpe of the USA in the quarter-finals, with the match tied at 1-1 in sets and Azar leading 3-2 in the third and final set when the incident occurred.
It was very a disappointing moment for the player, who felt he was playing some of his best tennis at the time.
“I was in great form. So it was very disappointing that I could not compete. But everything happens for a reason, and it is not really a setback for me, as I aim to work hard and get back on court, hopefully, even better,” he said. “I am in good hands, and I am just trying to stay on track and get back as soon as possible.”