New Delhi: Karman Kaur Thandi is back on the tennis court, not just to play but to prove that setbacks don’t define an athlete’s career. After a challenging 15-month halt due to injuries, the 26-year-old is ready to shine on the professional tennis circuit once again. Though her return to action was marked by a loss, the comeback was nothing short of a victory in itself.
Karman’s journey hasn’t been an easy one. The former WTA-196 ranked star broke into the top 200 back in 2018, showing immense promise. However, a series of injuries disrupted her rise and turned her career into a stop-start affair but now the clouds have finally disappeared and it’s a brighter day. For a player who had once dreamt of making a mark in the sport the reality of being sidelined for extended periods was devastating.
In a candid conversation with PTI, Karman reflected on the tough times she said, “There were days when I was crying almost every night for months. It doesn’t matter how strong you want to be, but it does hit you at some point that I want to be out there and play.”
The pain and uncertainty of whether she would ever hold a tennis racquet again were overwhelming but despite the darkness, Karman never gave up on her dreams and is back on the court to make a mark.
A triumphant return, despite the loss
Her comeback came at the ITF W50 tournament where she faced Hungary’s Panna Udvardy. Despite losing 4-6, 1-6 she flashed a huge smile. For Karman simply stepping onto the court again and completing the match was a victory within itself.
“I’m just really happy to be there, to be on the court, be it for practice, be it for matches,” she said. “Matches are like a bonus right now. Everything I’m doing, it’s just that my body feels great, and I’m able to play, that’s all that matters to me.”
It is not the first time in Indian tennis that talented players have struggled with injuries. Most recent examples are Yuki Bhambri and Prajnesh Gunneswaran, whose careers were also hampered by injuries.
Yuki had it in him to be in the top 50 but injuries forced him to switch to a doubles career. Prajnesh also lost five crucial years due to stress fractures in his knees. Many felt that probably their training methods were not right or perhaps they were overtrained. Karman, though, is pretty clear. She is not going to blame herself or anyone for injuries.
“It was not expected that this was going to put me off court for that long. Everybody has a question paper this was mine, and then I’m glad I answered it now, and I’m out of it.
— Karman Kaur Thandi (@KarmanThandi) July 27, 2023
On injuries, she said, “We’re not sure because these things are not in control or planned. Nadal has the best things in the world. He still is injured. If you ask him what the reason is, he probably doesn’t know why. He has the best team.
“You can’t blame your training, your physio or yourself for it. It just happens. So it’s the same way. I don’t think there is a big reason for it. Tennis is like that. You can go anywhere you want. Anything can happen.”
The mental battle of recovery
The journey to recovery has been both physically and mentally taxing for Karman. She admitted that there were times when she questioned whether she would ever be able to step on the court and play tennis again. She said that the credit for her return goes to her support system, her family and her coach, Aditya Sachdeva for giving her the strength to keep pushing forward.
“I just need to get sharper with it, and that comes with matches,” Karman explained, discussing her aggressive playing style. Even though she was rusty, she was adamant about playing with intensity. “If I were slower, she would have eaten me. That’s my weapon the strong forehands, serves, and a solid backhand.”
During her time off the court, Karman found solace in reading, completing her graduation, and supporting her husband, Gurjant Singh, who was part of India’s bronze medal-winning hockey team at the Paris Olympics. Talking about her relationship with Gurjant, she said their relationship began at a physio’s clinic and has been a source of emotional support throughout her recovery. She even travelled to Paris to witness Gurjant’s triumph firsthand, an experience she described as “really special.”
More Karman-Gurjant content 😍
Our our very own Karman Kaur Thandi with husband Gurjant Singh, back-to-back Olympic Bronze Medalist in Hockey 🔥 pic.twitter.com/pzuWwDvDDb
— Indian Tennis Daily (ITD) (@IndTennisDaily) August 9, 2024
A future full of possibilities
With a renewed sense of purpose, Karman’s immediate goal is to complete a full season of tennis without injury setbacks. The road to recovery has been long but she is determined to make the most of the opportunity now that her body feels ready. “It’s been five years since I’ve not had a proper season,” Karman noted, highlighting the significance of this comeback.
Karman’s story is one of resilience, perseverance, and hope. From the despair of wondering whether she would ever play again to the joy of stepping back on court, she has faced her fears and emerged stronger. Her journey is far from over but for now her focus is on enjoying the game and staying healthy. Karman Kaur is poised for a comeback that could one day see her rise again among the world’s tennis elite.
Karman Kaur Thandi returned to tennis after a 15-month injury break. Despite a 4-6, 1-6 loss against Hungary’s Panna Udvardy in her comeback match, she left the court with a smile and renewed purpose. Tennis Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
