Emma Raducanu, Jack Draper and Sonai Kartal – why are so many British tennis players injured?

Of the six English singles players who started the year in the top 100, Cameron Norie is the only one to escape injury and illness and has made a remarkable return to the world’s top 20 in recent weeks.

The 23-year-old Raducanu was due to return this week at the Italian Open in Rome, but on Tuesday she made a promise to the media after showing symptoms of the virus. Kartal is currently on track to make a comeback in the grass court season but the 24-year-old’s back injury in March’s run to the fourth round of the Indian Wells has ruled her out of her full clay swing.

Francesca Jones was out for a month after suffering an injury at the Australian Open and Draper is returning from a serious arm injury. Confirmed by labor problemFearnley reached the final in Rome after seven weeks.

England’s Katie Boulter, who dropped out of the top 100 last year after struggling with foot and hip injuries, said players could find it difficult to get out even if they have information suggesting their bodies are breaking down.

Fitness trackers that provide performance analysts with a wealth of data have been allowed on trial at this year’s remaining three Grand Slams as they have been on the men’s and women’s tours for some time now.

But Boulter, who peaked into his 60s, told BBC Sport: “I think it’s impossible to be a tennis player, ‘I’m going to take the week off because my kit says I’m wearing red.’

“Financially there are people who don’t have the luxury of taking a week off their schedule and not playing – most of us are still trying to make a living.

“I’ve dealt with a lot of injuries, I’ve stopped a lot of injuries. In the end, you have to make the best judgment call you can.”

“It’s good to have this information, but sometimes it’s not necessary to get married.”

The LTA has renewed all of its physiotherapy staff over the past 18 months and now believes it has the right expertise to support the modern player. The next task is to consider how to improve the recovery facilities.

British players have more wealth than many other nationalities. An LTA physio was sent to Miami in March as Kartal began to realize the extent of her back problem, but the emphasis is on players building their own support network.