Wimbledon Player Quits With Injury And Then Plays Doubles

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 28th June 2013

French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros

Wimbledon Player Quits With Injury And Then Plays Doubles

epa03736880 Michael Llodra (R) and Nicolas Mahut of France hold their runner-up trophies after their Men's doubles final match against Bob and Mike Bryan of the USA at the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros in Paris, France, 08 June 2013. EPA/YOAN VALAT |

Michael Llodra (right)

Michael Llodra has raised eyebrows at Wimbledon after withdrawing midway through a singles match with injury only to re-appear three hours later on the doubles court.

But the French veteran who is not immune to gaffes – he once went after an irksome Asian spectator at Indian Wells in no uncertain terms during a match- has explained his unorthodox planning by saying that doubles only requires half the energy of five-set singles on grass.

“In singles it’s too difficult and dangerous for my hamstrings. I prefer not to take any risks to play doubles. Doubles is easier. You play half court,” said the 33-year-old ranked 53rd in singles and 25th in doubles.

“I knew before the match it was going to be difficult. After losing the first set, I knew that trying to win in four, five sets could be difficult for me and for my hamstring. So I prefer to stop and try to play doubles 100 percent. When I’m in an overstretch, it’s painful.

Sometimes it’s a little bit like pinches. So I prefer to pull out. I can play doubles: it’s easier.”

Llodra gave it away in singles after losing a first set to 7-5, to Italian Andreas Seppi, but held up his side of the doubles court as he and Nicolas Mahut faced Czechs Jan Hajek and Jaroslav Levinsky. Ironically, the opponents withdrew themselves trailing 5-4 in the first set.

“I want to apologize, it’s my body. I can understand it’s difficult for the fans to realize or to understand my situation,” said Llodra after his 32nd career singles retirement, which according to officials violated no rules of the game, according to officials.

In another doubles-related quirk, American Jack Sock upped stakes and flew home – but without informing his partner – complaining vaguely of being “unfit.” The rookie move left compatriot James Cerretani puzzled, without a partner and minus a paycheck.

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superslamtennis says:

June 28, 2013 at 6:54 pm

RT @10sBalls_com: Wimbledon Player Quits With Injury And Then Plays Doubles: Michael Llodra (right) Michael Llodra has ra… http://t.co/9E…