World No. 25, Russian tennis player Karen Khachanov, discussed the back issues he faced during his intense match against fellow Russian player Daniil Medvedev in the first round of the Monte Carlo Masters.
When asked about his conversation with the physiotherapist, and whether there was an expectation of improvement before the match, Khachanov clarified that they were assessing the pain in his back and lower left side. The physiotherapist advised him to assess his own condition if the pain intensified. Khachanov explained he called for the physio because the pain was becoming more bothersome. He admitted to feeling uncertain about continuing the match and considered retirement. However, having never retired from a match before, he decided to play on, regardless of the outcome.
He mentioned that the match continued for another hour and forty minutes, during which he won the second set from a 1/4 score. Khachanov emphasized that his physio call was not a tactical move to disrupt Medvedev`s rhythm, should Medvedev have thought so, and that his back was genuinely causing him significant pain.
