Mysterious Injury, Surgery, Criticism: The Highly Discussed Return of Océane Dodin to the Courts
Océane Dodin, former world No. 46 and Australian Open 2024 quarterfinalist, has broken her silence. After nearly a year away from the courts, she is back… and with a unique story in professional tennis.
At 28, the French player spoke candidly to RMC Sport: "I'm not ashamed to show that I underwent breast surgery. I've wanted to do it for a long time." Taking advantage of a break forced by an inner ear injury, the Northern Frenchwoman took the plunge.
But why this operation in the middle of a professional career, where every detail of the body can influence performance? And above all, can one still perform at the highest level after breast augmentation? Dodin answers without filter.
"Everyone told me it would be impossible for me to play after the surgery, as if I had watermelons! They're not small, but there are suitable bras and I feel comfortable. I spoke a lot with my surgeon about the possible effects on my game. He reassured me, and so far, everything is going well," she explains.
In 2009, Romanian Simona Halep made the opposite choice: a breast reduction to relieve her back and gain mobility. But Océane Dodin stands by a personal, aesthetic choice that she refuses to see as a hindrance to her career.
Away from the spotlight, Océane Dodin experienced a difficult year, marked by dizziness and instability related to an inner ear injury. A condition still poorly understood: "We don't know what to do. It's in very sunny and hot situations that I feel the worst."
Today, she says she is ready to fight to regain her level: "I want to give myself the opportunity to return to the top. It won't be easy physically, but I believe in it."
