Professional tennis players are rarely injured in matches during the off-season, but on Tuesday Venus Williams was left hobbling after playing doubles with talk show host Regis Philbin.
The match was aired on television Wednesday morning during Live with Regis and Kelly, only to have Williams admit that she pulled her hamstring during the match.
“I pulled my hamstring,” said Venus according to the World Entertainment News Network.
“I got up this morning and hobble hobble. But I’m used to injuries. I just block them out.”
Venus and Regis teamed up to play doubles against ATP Tour player Mark Knowles and TV producer Michael Gelman.
[...] morning and hobble hobble. But I'm used to injuries. I just block them out." (sources: On the Baseline, World Entertainment News [...]
I caught the tail-end of the segment. Regis is a tennis fanatic and a great ambassador for the sport. He frequently does segments where he is playing tennis with professionals or super-senior citizens.
Venus looked great! She was in the Bahamas. Aaress, I have a thought I want your opinion on:
I noticed at the French (v. Jelena Jankovic),Sandiego (v. Chakvetadze) and at the US Open (v. Justine Henin) that Venus started off strong, but towards the end of the match became physically weak. Did you notice that at all? My theory is that Venus has lost a lot of weight, and her body hasn’t been able to keep up with her physical style-of-play. Venus should work on her endurance and strength. Your thoughts please.
I did notice that she seemed rather tired, especially after the US Open. She looked exhausted after battling Henin, something I’m not accustomed to seeing from either one of the Williams ladies.
Part of that I believe is due to her illness. I’ve not heard Venus say anything specific about her health, but I do know that Oracene was quoted as saying that Venus has been battling anemia, which would clearly explain the exhaustion and fatigue we saw during 2007.
Remember, this is also the same illness that forced her out of the Championships. It must have been serious enough for her to end her season early and pass up a chance to compete in Madrid.
I also saw some of the clip from the Bahamas and she did look great, even if it was just a casual match. Although it is just an exhibition, the upcoming J B Group Classic should give us a pretty clear idea as to her health and form before she heads to Australia.
Regis, what a sweet guy. He must feel terrible.
I just missed that segment of the show, unfortunatley. i really wish i would have seen it now. if you feel sorry for venus you could send her this funny tennis e-card from the tennis channel. check out ‘lord of the strings’ at http://lots.tennischannel.com/
was it said that she have breast cancer please let me no because i really love her and that what i heard.
Kia – I have not heard anything that would confirm that report.