PARIS – Nicolas Jarry is not having a good time. The Chilean has been suffering from serious ear problems for two months, which are directly affecting his performance: “It’s a very difficult challenge”.
This Sunday, the 28-year-old tennis player lost in the first round of Paris 2024. Then, speaking to the media, he broke up in tears and showed his pain, not only because of the defeat, but also because of the complicated moment of health he is going through.
“It’s a tremendous experience to be here, in an Olympic Games… and to lose in the first round, not being well (health-wise), it’s tough… I know I’ll come out of this stronger”, he said after the defeat against Australian Alexei Popyrin. Jarry did not hide his emotions, and took a moment to cry.
The Chilean explained to CLAY the nightmare he is living and how it affects him on the court: “You can’t see the ball, I get off balance in counterattacks. I see the ball faster and I can’t focus well”.
Jarry suffers from vestibular neuronitis, a disorder characterized by a sudden and intense vertigo crisis, caused by inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which helps control balance.
“The ear is at 55% in its functions. The brain is doing its job in compensating and creating stimuli to adapt. I’m at 80% there. There is a little bit left to recover, I am approaching my hundred”, revealed the current world number 24 and runner-up in Rome.
His grandfather, former tennis player Jaime Fillol had said a few days ago on Pauta radio that the issue generates “instability, imbalance and dizziness” in his grandson.
This Monday, the Chilean will have a new opportunity to continue competing for a medal in Paris 2024 when he and Alejandro Tabilo face the Italians Lorenzo Musetti and Luciano Darderi in the doubles.
