Bethanie Mattek-Sands Playing Great In 2014. Thanks Her New Babolat Racket And Asics Shoes.

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 7th January 2014

The Apia International Sydney tennis tournament in Sydney

Bethanie Mattek-Sands Playing Great In 2014. Thanks Her New Babolat Racket And Asics Shoes.

epa04009635 Bethanie Mattek-Sands of US plays a shot against Eugenie Bouchard of Canada in their first round match at the Apia International Sydney tennis tournament in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 06 January 2014. EPA/DAN HIMBRECHTS AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY |

Bethanie Mattek-Sands has had a rough fall, as she suffered three tears in her MCL and spent hundreds of hours lying on a table in her doctor’s office having to rehab. The frequently injured 28 year old didn’t lose hope though, and in Sydney on Tuesday she shocked top seed Agnieszka Radwanska, calling it one of the biggest wins of her career.

Even though she only started hitting again in December, the former world No. 30 feels like she is on top of her game.

“I think I’ve only gotten better,” she said. “I really had a great off‑season. Since last year my goal was to improve every single day. If I do that, I’m happy with myself. I think that’s allowed me to actually really see things in a different light, see my game in a different light, and really improve on things I want to improve on, and really stay with my strengths. I’ve just gotten more specific I think as I’ve gotten older. I’m improving every day, so I’m excited for this year.

Mattek was very upset after she ripped her knee up at the tournament in Quebec City, because she’s been through the rehabilitation treadmill before and knows how long it takes. But her support team, which includes her husband Justin, kept encouraging her and she managed to meet all of her doctor’s timelines. She considered skipping Brisbane last week because she wasn’t sure she was ready. but she played it anyway, taking a tough loss to Andrea Petkovic.

In Sydney, she made it thru qualies. Then she beat Canadian sensation Eugenie Bouchard and then former Wimbledon finalist Radwanska, two of her best back-to-back wins in some time

“I may be a little crazy but I love playing tennis,” she said of her comeback. “I feel that’s just where I’ve been blessed with talent. It’s something I’ve done since I’ve been young. I just always feel that when I’ve gotten hurt, I just haven’t accomplished everything I wanted to accomplish. It’s kind of always having that goal in mind. That’s kind of what brings you back. I love playing tennis. I love competing. I want to say that’s what keeps me motivated.”

Mattek-Sands has decided to put doubles on hold this year, but she may decide to play the competition here and there. She isn’t concerned about playing four straight weeks, even though that’s difficult for some players. She will head to the Australian Open after Sydney with a lot of confidence.

“You’re always trying to the best you can to rest and recover,” she said. “That’s why I was in the ice bath before this. That’s why I’m not playing doubles now, too. It’s a lot to ask of your body. Some of the girls this week are playing twice a day. As much as I love doubles, I don’t know that my body would be able to do that. Right now I’m feeling good. I’m getting matches in. I’m not going to complain about a win and going far in a tournament. It’s a good problem to have and figure out.”

Topics: 10sballs, Agnieszka Radwanska, BETHANIE Mattek-Sands, Eugenie Bouchard, Sports, Sydney, Tennis, Tennis News