Tennis star "heartbroken" as injury puts life on hold
Aussie tennis star Storm Hunter has suffered a devastating injury just one day before the nation's qualifying tie against Mexico.
The 29-year-old has had to put her Olympic dream and plans to crack the world’s top 100 on hold, after she fell and ruptured her right Achilles tendon.
The incident occurred on Thursday’s final practice session for Australia’s Billie Jean King Cup qualification tie against Mexico on Friday.
Hunter took to Instagram to announce the bad news, with a picture of herself during one of the games.
“I am devastated and heartbroken but incredibly grateful to be around the team and I know I have a great group of people around me that will help me get back on court as soon as possible,” she wrote.
“Thank you so much everyone for the messages of support and love, I’m excited to stay for the tie and support our Aussie girls.”
In a following update, she shared a photo of herself in crutches holding a bouquet of flowers that she received from the rival team.
"Thank you team Mexico for the flowers" she captioned the photo, with a heart emoji and the Mexican flag.
Recovery time for a ruptured Achilles is at least four months, but can take up to a year depending on the injury.
This means that the tennis star is set to miss the Olympic Games in Paris later this year, where she could've featured in all three disciplines.
She was set to team up with Ellen Perez for the clash with Mexico, but has since been replaced with Daria Saville.
“Storm went to take off for a ball and unfortunately has sustained a very serious injury, so she’s going to be getting an MRI tonight,” Team captain Sam Stosur said on Thursday.
“Obviously the tie still continues and we’ve made a decision. Dasha’s going to go in place of her to play tomorrow, but obviously we’re all rallying behind Storm and wishing her the very, very best and the quickest recovery possible.”
Hunter has had a career-high singles mark of 114 at the start of April, and finished 2023 as the world No.1 in doubles alongside Elise Mertens.
Images: Instagram