Bencic latest addition to the wrist list

The list of tennis players beset by wrist problems is getting longer.

Belinda Bencic is the latest addition to the roster, which already includes Juan Martin del Potro, Juan Monaco, Madison Keys and Laura Robson.

The rising Swiss star, who just over a year ago entered the top 10 for the first time, announced via Twitter that she had surgery. She will be out for several months.

“Hi guys, unfortunately I had to have surgery on my left wrist last week so I will be out of action for a few months. It was not an easy decision, but after careful thought and consideration with my team and doctors, we decided that doing it and fixing this problem now would help extend and enhance my career for many years to come.

“Thanks for your loyal support and I promise that I’m planning to come back stronger and hungrier than ever.”

It is Bencic’s left wrist, heavily counted on for her two-handed backhand. That also was the case with del Potro (he had surgery on his right wrist as well).

Not quite a plague, definitely a scourge

Just 20, Bencic is dealing with this at about the same time as Robson did. The British player had tendon surgery on her left (dominant) wrist just over three years ago. And she still isn’t close to getting back to where she was. Her career high of No 27 came in the summer of 2013.

Robson played just three matches at the beginning of 2014 and didn’t return until Wimbledon the following year. She has played a number of tournaments down at the $25,000 level this season.

https://twitter.com/BelindaBencic/status/859660261476765696

Currently ranked No. 234, Robson was a prodigy at an even younger age than Bencic. She was just 14 when she won junior Wimbledon; Bencic was 16 when she won both the French Open and Wimbledon in 2013. When you look at the sheer number of matches Bencic played as a junior, you can see the wear and tear began early.

Bencic already has had her share of injuries. In 2016 she had a back issue that hampered her for several months.