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Justine Henin has announced that she will miss this years US Open due to an elbow injury she sustained during her fourth round match against Kim Clijsters. She will also skip the ‘Best of Belgium’ exhibition match that was to be played soon against Kim which was touted to be the biggest tennis exhibition the world has seen thus far.
According to a statement left on her website Justin has partially ‘fractured’ a ligament in her elbow. Whether this means she has just partially torn the ligament (most likely) or the ligament has caused an avulsion fracture (least likely – ligament pulls a chip of bone off with it) is not entirely clear. Given the fact that the word ‘partially’ is used it is likely that it is just a partial tear of the ligament as opposed to an actual fracture.
This is a significant issue as it effects the stability of the elbow joint which undergoes huge stresses during the course of play. Ruling herself out of tournaments for a full two months is a good idea to allow the ligament to heal.
“Dear all,
Following my fall at Wimbledon tournament in 8th final, I took several medical examinations which have revealed a ligament partial fracture at the right elbow. Therefore, I regret to announce to you that I can’t unfortunately play in Best of Belgium this July 8. I’ll be nevertheless present for this wonderful Belgian event which is important for me.
This injury will keep me away from the courts during a rough period of two months with the consequence the withdrawal of my US round including the US Open.
In four weeks, I’ll take complementary medical examinations that will give me certainty about the end of this season.
I really thank you for your understanding and your support.
Justine”
