Watson diagnosed with glandular fever

 

Originally published on: 03/04/13 00:00

The British No.1 is set for a spell on the sidelines after blood tests revealed she was suffering with the condition, also known as mononucleosis.

Watson complained she felt “burnt out” following an early exit at the Sony Open in Miami a fortnight ago, and she is now likely to miss Great Britain’s Fed Cup tie with Argentina later this month.

"I had to do some blood tests after Miami and the results have shown that I have traces of glandular fever in my system,” Watson told the Lawn Tennis Association. "There is no prescription for this other than complete rest but the good news is that the doctors have told me I am at the tail end of the fever. This means I have been trying to compete through the symptoms for some time.

"I have been struggling with both training and playing matches and felt so tired and exhausted for months but now that the doctors have found the cause of this, it explains everything that has been happening to me physically and mentally.

"I am actually relieved to know what is wrong so that I can get myself on the mend. I hope to recover as soon as possible by resting my body and getting lots of sleep. I already feel better from being at home for a week, and am looking forward to getting back on tour soon."

Iain Bates, head of women's tennis at the LTA, said: "We all know she'll bounce back better than ever. Heather's focus will be on her recovery, and we will do whatever we can to support Heather and help that process."

Now get the WORLD’S BEST TENNIS MAGAZINE here