Though I have strained my elbow in the (Federation Cup) tie against Chinese Taipei, it isn’t something that will deter me from going flat out against Australia in the final.—Sania Mirza, The Indian Express, April 22

Plagued by a series of injuries on her first full year on the professional tour, it’s time for Indian tennis star Sania Mirza to take a reality check: is she running herself to the ground?

The 19-year-old has played 12 singles and 19 doubles matches this year. And on Saturday, she completed a Fed Cup assignment for India (four more matches) in Seoul, despite injuries to her serving elbow and lower back—India lost to Australia in the zone final. Now, a fitness expert who’s been closely associated with Sania has raised the red flag, warning that she may be “forcing her body beyond the limit”.

Others who have been associated with Sania are worried, too. Indian Fed Cup coach Enrico Piperno says Sania’s body “is not taking the strain”, while the Hyderabad star’s former travelling coach John Farrington feels she needs a “long rest”. Roy adds that it’s a matter of diet and recovery, too.

“Sania is trying beyond her capacity. To keep up with the pace on the tour, she is forcing her body beyond limit. She’s only 19, she shouldn’t rush things. My advice to her is—listen to your body, work on your mobility on court and overall strength,” says Kolkata-based Aparesh Roy, who has worked with Sania during Wimbledon, Dubai Open and Sunfeast Open last year.

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