Rebecca Marino

Marino takes break from tennis circuit

The 21-year-old from Vancouver has played just one competitive match on the Women’s Tennis Association circuit since January, when she lost in the first round of the Australian Open.

Marino says she’s taking time off because of “intense mental and physical fatigue,” according to Tuesday’s news release.

“As the days went by and became weeks, I realized I would need more than just a few days to fully recover,” she said. “I have decided to do what’s best for my career and make sure I am fully rested before I return to the courts.”

Louis-Philippe Dorais, communications director for Tennis Canada, said Marino won’t be granting any media interviews until her return.

“She’s taking a step back,” Dorais explained. “As the release says, she needs a rest, mentally and physically. That’s pretty much what it is. The ‘rest’ includes declining media interviews. The doctors haven’t used the term ‘burnout.’ And while, there’s no timeline for her return, we expect her to be back before the summer, for sure.”

The decision to pull away precludes Marino from possible participation in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London since she would have to make up huge ground after seeing her world ranking tumble to No. 138 on the WTA tour.

“Because she’s not out there defending points every week, her rankings are falling,” said Marino’s agent, Ross Gurney of Vancouver. “It’s a big decision, and the Olympics made it a more difficult one. But she’s not thinking short term. This is decision to do what’s best for the mid to long term. She wants to feel better physically and mentally and get right.”

Gurney pointed out that Marino’s career has been an interrupted whirlwind since came she announced herself by taking Venus Williams to the wall as a 19-year-old at the 2010 U.S. Open in Flushing Meadows, N.Y.

“I was very impressed,” Williams said afterwards. “She’s got a good future ahead of her.”

That future included advancing to the third round of the French Open, reaching the second round at Wimbledon, appearing in her first WTA final (Memphis) and rising to No. 38 in the world, all in the 2011 season.

Marino was back at the WTA event in Memphis on Feb. 21 but lost in the first round. And then she dropped out of sight.

Tuesday’s news release explained her absence.

“Rebecca had a huge year in 2011 and experienced so many firsts,” Gurney said. “But the off-season was so short. We thought, bringing her home to Vancouver (last October), might make her training easier, being closer to her family. But she’s just tired from the grind, just exhausted. So many people want a piece of her. So she’s decided to take a total break and cut it off. Her whole team and structure — coach, trainer, nutritionist — we’re all taking a break.”

Read more: http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/Marino+takes+break+from+tennis+circuit/6367840/story.html#ixzz1qPxFYYdg

Vancouver's Rebecca Marino has been named Tennis Canada's 2011 most outstanding female player. She was also named female singles player of the year and most improved female player.

A tougher Marino next year. New coach, perspective and Olympic plans.

http://www.theprovince.com/sports/tougher+Marino+next+year/5601637/story.html

CANADA'S MARINO MOVES INTO MAIN DRAW OF ROGERS CUP

TORONTO -- Canada's Rebecca Marino gained direct entry into the main draw of the Rogers Cup on Tuesday when Romania's Alexandra Dulgheru withdrew due to injury.

It will be the first main draw appearance at the tournament for the Vancouver player, who holds the No. 41 position in the world rankings.

For more see: http://www.tsn.ca/tennis/story/?id=373085