Monique Adamczak will return to professional tennis at the 2022 Australian Open following an injury layoff. Photo: Supplied.
It’s been a frustrating 18 months for Monique Adamczak, with her tennis career hanging in the balance as she battled a toe injury.
At 38 years of age and with four knee surgeries under her belt, Monique was less than willing to undergo any further major treatment.
“I couldn’t walk and they wanted me to have surgery,” she says.
Instead Monique chose natural therapies, including acupuncture, and effectively allowed the toe to heal itself.
Now injury free, she is ready to return to professional tennis, starting with the doubles at the Australian Open in Melbourne, in January.
Monique’s comeback caps off a life-changing 18 months, with the tennis star relocating to Canberra.
“I needed a break from Sydney, and Canberra has been a great option for a tree change,” she says. “I’m a local now. I’m glad I made the move and the community has been great.”
As part of her gradual transition out of tennis, Monique interspersed coaching with life on the pro circuit.
“I did an exercise science degree, which wasn’t easy on the tour, as part of my plan to transition out of tennis,” she says.
In Canberra, Monique has been coaching around 10 state-level juniors, as well as running a business in sports training.
She is well versed in what is required at that age, having started life on the tennis circuit at 11 years of age before reaching her career high world ranking of 138 in singles, and 44 in doubles.
At the 2021 Australian Open, Monique coached fellow Australian player Storm Sanders in the singles.
Monique says her focus at the 2022 tournament will be on the women’s doubles, and she is enthusiastic to get back out on court.
“I’m excited,” she says. “I had a tough time away, but it’s great to get back out there.
“I miss competing, especially in my home grand slam.”
The Australian Open will be the launching pad for a series of tournaments Monique will play in 2022, including 12 WTA events. The highlight will be a return to Wimbledon.
Just how long she can continue playing at the top level of tennis is largely dependent on results and how her body holds up.
But as Monique points out, some of the biggest names in the sport are staying at the top level for longer.
“The science has evolved and it allows you to expand your career,” she says. “You will be seeing players staying in the game a lot longer than has been in the past.”
Loading ...
