WHEN MARDY FISH BEAT VICTOR HANESCU IN THE FIRST ROUND OF THE 2011 AUSTRALIAN OPEN, Fish recalled unusual difficulty. The early season five-set match left him tired and sore. In the second round, a fatigued Fish would fall in four sets to underdog Tommy Robredo. After the loss, the American explained he’s coping with an energy-sapping medical condition called hyperthyroidism.
The 29-year-old was diagnosed with the condition in November 2010 after complaining of fatigue and muscle weakness. In most cases, hyperthyroidism is caused by an autoimmune disorder called Graves’ disease, where the immune system produces antibodies that attack the body’s tissues and/or organs. Graves’ disease causes antibodies produced by the immune system to stimulate the thyroid, and, as a result, the thyroid overproduces thyroxine hormones.
“The thyroid problem is strange. It sort of zaps you. You don’t feel really ill or anything but just a little helpless. It’s disappointing because I had put in the hard yards in the off-season and was really looking forward to playing here, especially being seeded higher than I have ever been at a Grand Slam at No.16. But the doctors tell me this condition will pass, and I will just concentrate on getting in shape for San Jose,” Fish said.
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