Who says Grand Slams are all about breathtaking matches and edge-of-your-seat moments? The Australian Open is proving there’s more to the story—and unfortunately, not all of it is wholly inspiring. Day 5 has cast a shadow over the courts, with injury woes stealing the spotlight from the action-packed rallies we’re used to. It all started with the unsettling health concerns for Ons Jabeur and Emma Raducanu, leaving fans anxious. And now, the wave of setbacks has crashed onto the ATP roster too, with Denis Shapovalov and Hubert Hurkacz joining the list of players grappling with physical challenges.

Playing against Lorenzo Musetti in the second round, Shapovalov was seen struggling on the court. His challenges began in the first set itself with the Canadian star opting for a medical timeout when he trailed 2-0. While the exact reason is not known behind his struggle, he seemingly suffered from a side or back strain with physio being rushed to help the player. However, his struggle did not end there.

Shapovalov continued to face challenges despite returning to the courts and eventually lost the match in straight sets 7-6(3), 7-6(6), 6-2. Notably, The scenario for Hubert Hurkacz was no different either. The Polish star struggled since the beginning of the match and lost the first two sets as he took on Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic in the second round.

With the goal to bounce back, Hurkacz started his third set with motivation but his campaign was eventually marred by injuries. The star player opted for a medical timeout while trailing behind 3-2 in the third set, after facing issues with his feet. He was reportedly suffering from blisters which made it difficult for him to continue. And despite returning to action, he could not win the match and was baffled in straight sets 6-4, 6-4, 6-2. But if think that this was the end to injury-impacted matches on the ATP circuit, hold on!

Argentine star Facundo Diaz Acosta faced his compatriot Francisco Cerundolo in the second round at Melbourne. After losing the first set 2-6 and trailing in the second set 0-1, he decided to take a medical timeout following some issues with his left foot. He eventually decided to retire mid-match handing the match to Cerundolo. Hence, it can be rightly said that the 5th Day of the “Happy Slam” did not turn out to be happy enough for many. The situation on the WTA side has not been different either. 

Tunisian tennis star, Ons Jabeur was playing her second match in Melbourne against Colombia’s Camila Osorio. Starting on a remarkable note, she took an upper hand in the first set and led it 2-1. However, she soon started to struggle and decided to take a medical timeout. Sitting on the sidelines of the court, Jabeur was visibly struggling as she broke down in tears. She was attended by a team of medical experts who helped her get back to playing. While the exact reason for the medical timeout is not known, Jabeur was seen coughing and tapping her chest earlier, which could have been due to issues with her heart rate. The situation with Emma Raducanu was quite similar. 

The Brit star faced America’s Amanda Anisimova and won her first set 6-3. However, the second set witnessed her struggling and a hurting Raducanu was forced to take a medical timeout, with physio being rushed to the spot. She received treatment in her left hip region before eventually returning back to the courts. However, unlike their male counterparts, Raducanu and Jabeur did not give up the match and fought back to register straight-set victories. But ultimately, the injuries are not just impacting the players in their current campaign but are also demotivating them on a bigger level. One such admission came from none other than Australian star Thanasi Kokkinakis.

“It’s mental torture” – When Thanasi Kokkinakis opened up on his injury woes

Thanasi Kokkinakis played a marathon match against Jack Draper. He was seen continuously struggling with a debilitating pectoral muscle injury but managed to play five sets in the match. However, he could not win it and lost 7-6(3), 3-6, 6-3, 5-7, 3-6. And what followed after the match was an emotional admission from the Aussie about his future. 

Speaking after the match, Kokkinakis said that he is uncertain about playing in doubles alongside Nick Kyrgios. “I feel like I’m letting him (Kyrgios) down, I’m letting people down but yeah, I don’t know.” He admitted taking a “million painkillers” to be fit to play at his home slam. “I’ve tried to sort it out for years manually, without surgery, just trying to do what I can. It’s the reason why I can’t back up big matches.” Continuing further, he emotionally shared that he cannot keep doing what he has been doing for years. 

“One thing is for sure: I can’t keep doing what I’m doing. It’s mental torture and physical torture,” he added. Now, with the Grand Slam still in the first week and injuries cropping up front and center, it will be interesting to see how the remainder of the tournament unfolds. Will more players join the suit? We surely hope not.