Jim Pierce may not be the most well-liked father in tennis, but his latest statements in the press should spark cheers from French tennis fans.
According to Pierce, his daughter Mary is almost ready to return to competition on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour.
In statements published by the Sun-Sentinel, Pierce told Charles Bricker that Mary has been given permission by her doctor to resume practicing. She has already selected her father as her new coach, and will also work with her brother David.
Pierce believes that it will take about two months for Mary to get back in shape.
“I have to see how she responds to the knee,” said Pierce. “But the way I will get her back in shape ordinarily would take two months. I’m not one of those country club training programs.”
Pierce laughed off the suggestion that Mary would not return because of her age. “I’m 72,” said Pierce. “Thirty-three is young.”
Mary Pierce has been off the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour since October 2006 when she ruptured the cruciate ligament in her left knee at the Generali Ladies Linz in Austria.
Although many speculated that the injury was career-ending, Pierce announced her intention to return only weeks later.
