Strategies and support mechanisms used by elite Australian female tennis players returning to the circuit from injury

In studies of athletes’ returning to sport from an injury, Smith et al. (1990) found that the most seriously injured group experienced significantly more tension, depression, anger and less vigour than college norms, a mood disturbance that lasted one month. Johnston and Carroll (1998) reported a regained confidence in competitive and recreational athletes after return to sport from injury before regaining their previous performance levels. Poor performance upon return from injury often resulted in initial stages of depression, further eroding confidence and performance.