Member Associations | 12 Jul 2024

Ying HAN Undergoes Second Surgery Following Previous Procedure in February

Ying HAN underwent a second surgery after experiencing her second Achilles tendon rupture within half a year. The shock of this recent injury is still fresh, but it's evident that Germany's top player is opting for a slower rehabilitation this time.

"The way everything we worked for has come to an end is extremely challenging both physically and mentally. I will take a break now and then gradually focus on the future," HAN stated.

Ying has returned home to Düsseldorf to be with her family after a successful surgery on her left foot's Achilles tendon. The 41-year-old world's best defensive player sustained the injury during her comeback match against South Korean player Suh Hyo Won at the WTT Star Contender Bangkok on July 5. This incident occurred exactly 176 days after she ruptured her right Achilles tendon in January at the World Table Tennis Tournament in Doha, shattering her hopes for a third Olympic participation after winning a silver medal as part of the team in Rio.

Ying HAN undergo a second surgery aftrer she went through the same procedure in February.

"The way everything we fought for has ended is very tough on both the body and the mind. I will now take a break and then look towards the future, step by step."

The pain of suffering a second rupture within half a year is still raw, especially after a successful healing process. HAN had diligently fought her way back to fitness with the support of her medical and physiotherapy team, getting ready for the Paris games after four weeks of intense training at the German Table Tennis Center in Düsseldorf. However, her hopes were cut short after 18 ball exchanges in Bangkok where she had been dominating her opponent.

This time, the two-time Europe Top 16 winner plans to take a more relaxed approach, in consultation with Dr. André MORAWE, who successfully operated on her once again at the Atos Clinics in Cologne.

"He also believes I shouldn't rush back into action," says the five-time European team and mixed doubles champion. "I want to take it slow in rehab. The way everything we fought for has ended is very tough on the body and also mentally. I will now take a break and then look towards the future, step by step."

"We sympathize with her," says Richard PRAUSE, the DTTB Sports Director. He promises, "We will provide Ying with all the support she needs to recover from this injury as well."