Their elbows are at risk too. In fact, two of the most common reasons for elbow pain relate to sporting injuries — the aptly named (and dreaded) tennis and golfer’s elbow.

Sixth-ranked Zheng Qinwen of China has undergone arthroscopic surgery on her right elbow after experiencing "persistent pain" for several months.

(Reuters) -Tim van Rijthoven has been forced to retire from tennis at the age of 28 after failing to recover from a persistent elbow injury, the Dutchman said.