World No. 233 Stefano Napolitano to Undergo Elbow Surgery

World No. 233 Stefano Napolitano, of Italy, will undergo an elbow surgery in Milan, according to La Stampa.

Speaking on the surgery, Stampa says, "On Monday in Milan I will have my elbow operated. The pain has not diminished and the conservative path that I have followed in recent months has not worked. I have performed several therapies, but there have been no improvements, it means that the ligament is injured."

The Italian says that the recovery time would vary between five and six months. "But I want to take all the time I can to solve the problem completely and not risk it later. Returning to the court is important, but it is more important to heal from every point of view."

The 24 year old Napolitano will return to the circuit by using his protected ranking.  "I think the position I will occupy in mid-April will be considered and that will be my ranking when I return to the field. It is clear that I have a part of responsibility. A more appropriate programming could perhaps have helped me. Now I will live a few complicated months, but I will be able to put many things in order and then return to the court without suffering anymore. I will take a "vacation", but I will continue to work hard because the part of the rehabilitation will prove to be fundamental in view of my return to the circuit. It is clear that I have a part of responsibility."

In his most recent tournament, the Italian lost in the first round of qualifying for the Australian Open in Melbourne.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2tdqu9S