 Pierce was taken off court on a stretcher in Linz |
Mary Pierce faces six months out of action after collapsing with a knee injury at the Generali Ladies event in Linz, Austria, on Thursday. The 31-year-old Frenchwoman fell heavily after her left knee gave way while playing Russia's Vera Zvonareva.
Pierce has torn the front cruciate ligament on her left knee and will require surgery.
"It's tough it's but not the end of the world," said fitness coach Xavier Moreau after fears for Pierce's career.
"It's a pity because Mary is feeling great these days.
"She's still in Linz waiting for them to fit a knee brace but we will try to get her back to France as quickly as possible to see Dr Montalvon (French tennis federation doctor).
"Mary did not seem too down, saying there were worse things in life, but I think it might be a bit of a shock when we tell her how long she will be out of tennis."
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