TAIPEI, Taiwan – Taiwan’s badminton ace, Tai Tzu-ying (戴資穎), has confirmed that she will undergo surgery to address a chronic knee injury that has plagued her for the past two years. The 29-year-old, currently ranked World No. 5, spoke about her decision during an interview on Wednesday, revealing her plans to focus on recovery to ensure a better future for her career and personal well-being.
Knee Surgery Confirmed After Persistent Injury Issues
In her interview with CNA, Tai explained that she would undergo surgery on her left knee first, with a subsequent assessment to determine whether her right knee also requires similar treatment. Tai expressed that her decision to proceed with the surgery was difficult but necessary for her long-term health and career prospects.
“I’ve thought about it for a long time, but I still hope to resolve the knee issues for the sake of my future life,” said Tai, who acknowledged that recovery from the procedure would require at least a few months of rest.
Her knee injury has significantly affected her performance and participation in international tournaments under the Badminton World Federation (BWF) this year. Despite managing to secure the India Open title in January, the condition worsened, limiting her ability to compete at her usual high level.
A Year of Struggles: Knee Issues Impact Badminton Career
Tai’s knee troubles have forced her to withdraw from multiple prestigious BWF events, including the Paris Olympic qualifiers, where she was eliminated prematurely. Her condition remained unstable throughout the summer, leading to her retirement from both the Japan Open semifinal and the Hong Kong Open in the early rounds.
Although Tai has continued to compete at a high level in the past, her physical limitations became more pronounced, prompting her decision to seek medical attention and begin her recovery process. In September, following her early exit from the China Open, Tai began receiving specialized treatment and applied for injury-protected ranking status with the BWF.
The injury protection allowed her to retain her World No. 5 ranking despite her frequent withdrawals from tournaments. The request for injury protection had also led to speculation about her early retirement after her surprise announcement in April 2023, where she revealed plans to retire by the end of 2024.
Clarification on Retirement Plans: Coach Confirms Focus on Recovery
Tai’s coach, Lai Chien-cheng (è³´å»ºèª ), took the opportunity to clarify that the priority was to allow Tai to fully recover from her chronic knee issues. He emphasized that the injury protection status was a strategic move to prevent penalties for missed events and that her decision to retire in 2024 was still a potential plan, though contingent on her recovery and future performance.
While Tai has not made any final decisions regarding her retirement, the focus now remains on her health and rehabilitation. Her commitment to overcoming this challenge reflects her dedication to continue competing at the highest level for as long as possible.
Table: Key Highlights of Tai Tzu-ying’s Injury and Recovery Timeline
| Date/Event | Details |
|---|---|
| January 2024 | Tai wins India Open title, despite ongoing knee issues. |
| Mid 2024 | Tai withdraws from Japan Open semifinal and Hong Kong Open round of 16 due to knee problems. |
| September 2024 | Tai exits China Open early, intensifies treatment for knee injury. |
| October 22, 2024 | Tai applies for injury-protected ranking with BWF, retaining World No. 5 position. |
| November 2024 | Tai confirms plans for knee surgery, starting with her left knee. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why is Tai Tzu-ying undergoing knee surgery?
A: Tai has been suffering from a chronic knee injury for two years. The surgery is necessary to address the injury, which has impacted her performance in several tournaments.
Q: What is the injury protection ranking, and why did Tai apply for it?
A: The injury protection ranking allows players to retain their BWF ranking despite missing tournaments due to injury. Tai applied for this status to avoid penalties while recovering from her knee problems.
Q: When did Tai announce her plans for retirement?
A: Tai revealed her intention to retire by the end of 2024 in April 2023, but this decision is contingent on her recovery from the knee injury.
Q: How long will Tai need to rest after the surgery?
A: Tai will need several months to recover from the surgery, during which time she plans to focus on rehabilitation.
Q: Is Tai’s knee surgery the only treatment option for her?
A: Tai will first undergo surgery on her left knee and later evaluate whether similar treatment is required for her right knee.
