Armenian tennis star reveals ‘challenging’ diagnosis

· September 15, 2025

MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 22: Elina Avanesyan of Armenia plays a backhand against Caroline Dolehide of the United States in the Women's Singles First Round match during on Day One of Mutua Madrid Open at La Caja Magica on April 22, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Ion Alcoba Beitia/Getty Images)

The First Serve
Former world No.36 Elina Avanesyan has shared her difficult journey battling mononucleosis, which has impacted her performance this season.

Mononucleosis, also known as glandular fever, is an infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, with symptoms including fatigue and swollen lymph nodes.

The 22-year-old has only won one match since April this year, and provided an update on her health struggle.

“I wanted to take a moment to share something more personal with you all, because these past months have been very challenging for me,” Avanesyan wrote on social media.

“Back in March, I was diagnosed with mononucleosis. At first I didn’t fully realise how much it would affect me, but soon I was feeling exhausted all the time, with no energy, and even the simplest training sessions became really difficult. This was especially hard to accept because the first two months of the season had gone so well. I was competing at a high level, feeling in great shape, and truly enjoying my tennis. To go from that to feeling so weak and unable to perform was incredibly frustrating.

“Then in Miami I started to struggle with significant wrist pain, which took a long time to recover from. Just when I thought I was getting better, I faced another setback with shoulder pain, and it has felt like one thing after another ever since. These physical issues have been very difficult to manage, especially because my body hasn’t fully recovered from the illness. It feels like everything has taken longer than usual to heal, which makes the process even more challenging.

“I have been working closely with my team every single day, doing everything possible to heal, regain my strength, and prepare myself to compete again at 100%. But the truth is, this journey has tested me in ways I didn’t expect. There have been moments of frustration and even doubt, but I have also learned a lot about patience, resilience, and how much I truly love this sport.

“Being able to play matches again has been a big step, but competing while not feeling like myself on court is really hard. More than anything, I miss being able to fight at my highest level and enjoy the game the way I know I can. That is what keeps me motivated every day to push through this process.”

Avanesyan sits four places outside the top 100.