Flipkens provides update after ankle injury in Abu Dhabi

After tripping over an advertising board during her second-round match against Sofia Kenin in Abu Dhabi last Friday, Kirsten Flipkens provided a health update on her Instagram account.

The Belgian, who rolled her ankle and retired from the contest leading 6-4, 4-5, 0-30, revealed that she suffered a partial (grade 2) tear on her ATFL ligament, while also experiencing oedema and other strains.

“I already started rehab with [a] physio here in Abu Dhabi doing treatments, very light range of motions, and aquajogging,” the world No. 86 wrote. “Not the start of the year I had in mind after a great pre-season, but I am going to do everything that is in my power to recover as quickly and healthy as possible.”

Flipkens, who turned 35 on Sunday, added that her goal was to be fit for the Australian Open, which begins February 8. Players will head to Melbourne on charter flights in the next few days and must arrive during a fixed window that adheres to strict quarantine guidelines agreed upon between Tennis Australia and the Victorian government.

In a peculiar full circle moment, the sponsor on the signage that tripped up Flipkens was none other than the hospital that treated her: Healthpoint.

“How ironic....,” her post closed with. Indeed, Flipper.