For quite a long time Amelie Mauresmo has been failing to bring her confidence back and make better results at tournaments. A series of disappointments is tempting the two-time Grand Slam champion to hang up the racquet for good.
The 28-year-old Mauresmo couldn’t play tennis for most of the 2007 season because of appendicitis and long recovery process, as well as a surgery-related injury. When she finally came back she faced big defeats, and the new tennis season didn’t bring any improvement either. Since she failed to defend her title at Wimbledon last season, Mauresmo has won nine matches. Her ranking has plummeted from No. 4 to No. 22.
So far in 2008, Mauresmo lost in the quarterfinals at Gold Coast, suffered an upset in the third round of the Australian Open, and was again beaten in the last eight in Paris. Not impressive for someone who has won 24 singles titles.
This week seems to be the culmination of Mauresmo’s despair as she lost in the second round of the Qatar Total Open in Doha to qualifier Tamarine Tunasugarn, ranked outside of top 100. Not only was Mauresmo defeated, but she lost in straight sets and was broken six times.
“I want to keep on playing but at the same time I am wondering if it’s the right thing to do,” said Mauresmo to L’Equipe in Doha.
“Just as soon as I get the feeling back that I am heading in the right direction, I get another heavy defeat like that. It’s been like that for the last few months.”
“Obviously at some point that leaves you wondering whether it might be best just to pack it all in,” added Mauresmo. “But we are not quite there yet. For the moment I still want to keep trying.”
Obviously, she still believes there is a chance for her to come back on track. Let’s see what Dubai will bring, it’s the next tournament Mauresmo plays.
I can just add that Mauresmo can be very happy for having fans that love and support her a lot. Two of my dear readers are among them. Claire knitted nice socks for Amelie, while Diane made an Official “Allez, Amelie! Nous vous aimons!” thread on her blog.
I can understand how she feels right now but I hope sh can find the power and the will inside herself to be on court to fight and to enjoy a tennis match.