Sal Afzal, consultant podiatrist at The London Clinic in Harley Street, is back at Wimbledon for the sixth time this year, forming part of the multidisciplinary medical team supporting players throughout the two-week tournament. He described the championships as the "place to be" while sharing insights into treating the feet of tennis superstars.
Medical facilities beneath Centre Court
Mr Afzal is on-site in his medical room beneath Centre Court from 8am each day, ready to provide speedy care. Wimbledon boasts a "full-blown" medical team, including podiatrists, doctors, consultants, massage therapists and physiotherapists, he said.
The change of surface from hard and clay courts used in other grand slams to grass can cause players to move more in their shoes, leading to slipping or twisting. Most commonly, Mr Afzal treats corns, calluses and blisters.
Players' gratitude and challenges
Mr Afzal said: "One of the biggest things that we find with all players, whatever rank they are, is they're so grateful. The fact they're getting free, high-level treatment is by the by."
Working at speed to treat players shortly before they are due to play, sometimes under pressure from coaches, is a "massive challenge". He recalled a player saying: "Saj, I've got to hit in 15 minutes, what can you do? And you look at a patient and think, 'whoa'." He performs minimal treatment to get them through a game, then continues post-match.
Treating all players equally
Mr Afzal treats everyone from qualifiers to Centre Court stars but never feels starstruck. "They've got two feet and 10 toes. I say, sit down and do exactly as I say, and suddenly, they are on the receiving end, and they're the patient," he said.
What makes Wimbledon special for him are the "pristine" medical facilities, this year featuring a new gym, clinical zones and the latest technology. He added: "It's the place to be. It's humbling to know they wanted me here."
Light-hearted moments
Though too busy to watch the tournament, Mr Afzal enjoys strawberries and cream "on tap" and memorable light-hearted moments. He recounted: "There's an area where they warm up, and some of the players were playing with a football. It kind of trickled into my corridor, I went to kick the ball out, and, of course, I'm obviously not very good at football, I kicked it, it hit two walls, and it bounced straight back and hit me on the head." A player who is usually very serious fell about laughing and told him: "Saj, stick to feet."
"It's all about getting a player through their journey, whether they're from quallies (qualifiers) through to here, or if they're here and they've been ranked, keeping them going on the best footing we can," Mr Afzal said.
