In April 2024 at the Barcelona Open, French tennis player Arthur Cazaux suffered a significant ankle injury after rolling his ankle while sliding on clay. The injury forced him to retire from his match and highlighted a very common problem seen in tennis players – ankle sprains caused by rapid changes of direction and loss of foot control.
What Was the Injury?
Cazaux injured his ankle when his foot twisted sharply inward during a slide, a movement that places high stress on the outer (lateral) ankle ligaments. Medical assessment confirmed a tear of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), the ligament most frequently damaged in ankle sprains. Fortunately, the injury did not require surgery, but it did involve swelling, pain and a period of immobilisation followed by rehabilitation. You can see the photo below (it’s kinda wild!)
Why Are Ankle Sprains So Common in Tennis?
Tennis demands explosive lateral movements, quick stops, pivots and slides – particularly on clay courts. An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments stabilising the ankle are overstretched or torn, often due to:
- Slipping or sliding unexpectedly
- Landing awkwardly after a change of direction
- Fatigue reducing foot and ankle control
Signs of a more serious ankle sprain include swelling, bruising, difficulty weight-bearing and a feeling of ankle instability. These symptoms should always be assessed by a healthcare professional.
How Is a Tennis-Related Ankle Sprain Treated?
Treatment depends on severity but generally includes:
Early management
- Rest and reduced weight-bearing
- Ice to control swelling
- Compression and elevation
Protection
- An ankle brace or walking boot may be used to protect healing ligaments
Rehabilitation
- Gradual return of movement
- Strengthening of foot and ankle muscles
- Balance and stability training to reduce re-injury risk
A Podiatrist plays a key role in guiding recovery and ensuring a safe return to sport.
How Can Tennis Players Reduce the Risk?
While not all injuries are avoidable, risk can be significantly reduced by:
- Wearing tennis shoes with good lateral support
- Strengthening foot and ankle muscles
- Including balance and agility exercises in training
- Using ankle taping or braces if there is a history of sprains
- Warming up thoroughly before play
Curious to see Arthur Cazaux’s foot injury? The nasty photo he shared to his Instagram of the ankle injury below. Want to see the injury happen in action? You can see it in the video below:
Arthur Cazaux’s injury is a reminder that ankle sprains can happen quickly, even to elite athletes. Early treatment and proper rehabilitation are essential, but prevention is just as important. If you play tennis regularly and experience ankle instability, pain or repeated sprains, a Podiatry assessment can help protect your feet and keep you confidently moving on court.
Has this year’s Australian Open 2026 inspired you to hit the tennis court? Got any foot injuries stopping you from playing tennis? Want to be best prepared to play tennis and not get any foot issues? However this years competition has inspired you, our Sports Podiatrsit Mitch is passionate about bringing his knowledge to tennis players & athletes with a holistic Podiatry approach to sports. You can book in with Mitch online via our website or call 9480 4935!