Coppejans has been suffering since last summer. According to the 29-year-old Ostend resident, it is golfer’s elbow. “In contrast to tennis elbow, this concerns the outside of the elbow. I first started having problems after Wimbledon, but I could still tolerate it then. Since my muscle injury in Astana at the end of September, it has gotten worse. During the preparation this winter I could barely hit a ball. I hoped it would go well during the Australian Open, but I could only play with painkillers and injections. It couldn’t continue like this,” Coppejans told Belga.
The West Flemish will go under the knife on Wednesday, where the joint will be strengthened. After the operation he must wear a brace for six weeks. Only after a long rehabilitation can Coppejans return to the field. His comeback is not expected until July or August. “If the rehabilitation goes well, I can resume playing on grass for Wimbledon, but I am aiming for the US Open sooner.”