Tomic Is Making Progress On Rehab Of His Hip

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 28th February 2014

Tomic Is Making Progress On Rehab Of His Hip

epa04020393 Bernard Tomic of Australia acknowledges the crowd after retiring from his match against Rafael Nadal of Spain on day two of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 14 January 2014. EPA/MARK DADSWELL AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT |

Bernard Tomic is making progress and is hoping to make a return to tennis in time for next month’s Monte Carlo Masters. Melbourne’s Age reported that the youngster who underwent two January hip surgeries has been diligently applying himself to rehab under the supervision of Tennis Australia in his new base in Melbourne.

The 21-year-old, never noted for a massive work ethic, is making more progress than physios expected as he dedicates himself to getting back into shape for the ATP. Doctors say that by the time of full recovery he should be able to move 30 percent more freely than he did before his problem was diagnosed after a first-round Australian Open loss in January, where he retired against Rafael Nadal.

Physio Ivan Gutierrez, who whipped Lleyton Hewitt back into shape after surgery, is in charge of the Tomic programme: “For having had bilateral hip surgery, he’s doing very well, a little bit better than I thought he would at this time,” Gutierrez told the Age. “All the time that we’ve been working together he’s been committed to the treatment, and he knows the importance of it because all his career is just going to hinge on that, and hopefully he will be back soon and be able to play without pain, and regain more flexibility than he used to have.

“He’s been very restricted, because tennis being a flexion, or bent-over type of a sport, and him being so tall, his limitations were significant, especially playing on grass and hard courts. It forced him to bend a little bit more than he had to, hence irritating the hip joints a little bit more than you normally would.

“Now he has much more rotation both ways – internal and external – so he’ll be able to displace and change direction a little bit better, so I think he’ll be much more comfortable with his movement on court … I’m expecting between 20 to 30 per cent on what he had. We’re hoping for 30, but 20 would be great.”

Tomic’s problem was diagnosed as congenital and the surgery was viewed as necessary if he wanted to continue in top-level tennis. The operations resulted in a reshaping of head of the femur (thigh bone), allowing more range of movement. He also underwent repairs to lab rum and ligament tears. Tomic’s physical work has included swimming, cycling and light hitting from a stationary position.

Topics: 10sballs, Atp, Bernard Tomic, Lleyton Hewitt, Melbourne, Rafael Nadal, rehab, Sports, Tennis

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10sBalls_com says:

February 28, 2014 at 7:28 am

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