Federer Mends from Mono
Roger Federer revealed last week that he had been suffering from mononucleosis during the past couple months, but he was now recovered. Apparently Federer was first ill in December and then a couple more times in January and February which prompted the medical tests that confirmed that he’d had mono. There have actually been a few players who have missed several months during the past few years because of viral
illnesses. Justine Henin was ill with an energy-sapping virus several years ago and continues to monitor her health and plan her tournament schedule very carefully so that she doesn’t tire herself out too much. The talented Croatian player and former ton tenner, Mario Ancic, missed six months in 2007 with mono. Teenage Czech star, Nicole Vaidisova was also ill between Wimbledon and the U.S. Open in 2007 because of a virus. 2008 Australian Open champion, Novak Djokovic, was ill at the first round Davis Cup tie in Russia and had to retire during his match. Given the tough travel schedule and time zones that players cross with their globe-trotting tournament schedules, it’s not surprising that players catch viruses from time to time. However, Federer’s recent illness highlights how much a player’s health impacts his performance. Federer did not blame his illness for his 2008 losses to Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open or Andy Murray in Dubai. However, Federer is definitely lacking practice, match play and conditioning, which he will need in order to be successful during the tough spring and summer season this year, i.e. French Open, Wimbledon and U.S. Open, as well as the Beijing Olympics. Federer clearly wants to win the title at Roland Garros for the first time, as well as win his sixth Wimbledon title and beat Borg’s record of five consecutive Wimbledon titles. In order to accomplish those goals, Federer will need to become fit and stay healthy through the summer…
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