Hong Kong Squash Open: Scottish veteran Lisa Aitken returns wiser after long injury lay-off
The former world No 21 says she has learned much from being out for 2 years with a career-threatening injury – but has ‘unfinished business’
Lisa Aitken’s long-awaited return to match play after two years out with a career-threatening knee injury ended after just two matches – but her enforced time off the court has given her a new awareness of the game.
The Scottish world No 165 saw her adventure at the Hong Kong Squash Open ended in the second round by Egypt’s Rowan Elaraby, who beat her 11-1, 11-6, 11-7 in 30 minutes at the Squash Centre in Admiralty on Tuesday.
But the veteran said she felt pleased coming off the court “not feeling tired and had not hurt myself”.
“I don’t think, even a week ago, I had the confidence or the trust in my body just yet,” she said. “I’ve not reached that in practice yet at home, playing two back-to-back matches.
“It was a bit unknown what would happen, but I felt quite good out there and wanted it to keep going.”
Aitken, whose career-high ranking is No 21, underwent three surgeries after rupturing her anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments, while also tearing the meniscus, during a match in late 2022.
