Kristian Karlsson was in noticeable pain in his left arm as he won a thrilling 4-3 set against Finn Alex Naumi in the second round of the singles tournament at the European Championships in Slovenia.
It may look awful, but I’m really in as much pain as it looks like I am, says left-handed Karlsson.
Earlier in the day, he had first lost a mixed doubles semifinal with Stina Källberg, then won a men’s doubles quarterfinal with Anton Källberg.
“Two huge discharges, and it’s probably my ninth match here now. Anyone who has had tennis elbow knows how painful it is when it hurts like this. Mentally, it’s very difficult,” says the 35-year-old.
The question is whether he can play in the doubles semifinals on Friday morning.
If I’m in this much pain, I don’t think it’s worth playing.
Karlsson says he will try to treat himself and take painkillers.
“I’m going to have so much painkiller in me that it could kill a small elephant,” he says.
Later on Friday, the Swede will play in the singles round of 16. Anton Källberg is also through after beating Romanian Iulian Chirita 4-2 in sets.
