6 July 2026
Ever wondered what it’s like to be behind the scenes at the world’s most famous tennis tournament – the Wimbledon Championships? Our Consultant Podiatrist Mr Saj Afzal, returning to SW19 for the sixth year on the trot, reveals all…
I often get asked ‘why did you become a podiatrist?’ I mean, feet isn’t for everyone, right? But at school I knew I wanted to be a specialist medical professional and had a Eureka moment that podiatry is the foundation of the human body and would offer me a satisfying job and career… and that has been the case… I never imagined one day I would be a resident podiatrist at Wimbledon!
It’s an absolute honour to be invited back. I’m the resident podiatrist and part of the multidisciplinary medical team at Wimbledon. I absolutely love the medical team and we work in a completely multidisciplinary approach sharing the player concerns and working out together the best treatment pathway. I’m privileged enough to be with fellow excellent consultants in all fields ranging from a sports doctor, physiotherapists, the nutritionists and sports psychologists – we really truly give five-star service to every player in Wimbledon.
I’m on-site from around 8am as many players need treatment before matches start at 10am. My position is to make sure all the players have the best possible podiatry foot and lower limb care that’s possible, from treating injuries to managing a split nail or a painful blister. Being a multidirectional sport, the most common things I see as a podiatrist are toenail injuries, callus formation, blisters and friction lesions.
I also get asked if I’ve ever been starstruck. To me, whether I see a multi-million-pound pro elite athlete or a junior player, they have two feet and 10 toes and my job is to get those feet working as best as I possibly can. It’s a pleasure to see them and give them my expertise to help them through on their journey.
The key is quick, effective intervention. Players often have another match within hours, or the next day, so providing fast assessment, treatment and pain reduction is essential. Also, just like we tell the pros, it’s important not to remove all the callus on your feet. A little bit of callus is natural – it’s the body’s way of protecting against friction. I’ve seen cases where removing too much has caused soreness mid-tournament. It’s about balance.
To me, whether I see a multi-million-pound pro elite athlete or a junior player, they have two feet and 10 toes and my job is to get those feet working as best as I possibly can.Podiatrist Saj Afzal
Despite being at Wimbledon, there is very little chance to watch any tennis as we are far too busy treating player patients, and we are away from the main courts. But we get the atmosphere, see the players, and get incredible food – including the infamous strawberries!
Most tennis players play the whole year on hard or clay surfaces. Wimbledon being a grass Grand Slam brings a completely different set of challenges to the players. The change in surface means players experience more slipping, more foot movement within their shoes and the result is more chance of sprains, twists, and blisters. Players wear special grass-court shoes, but even so, the risk of foot-related injuries is higher on grass.
Biomechanically, the surface gives less feedback and firmness, so any existing weaknesses in the leg or spine can be aggravated. It’s a beautiful surface for tennis but it’s tough on the body.
On rainy days, it gets hectic. Only Centre Court and Court 1 have roofs, so delays pile up on other courts. That means often working into the evening – sometimes as late as 11pm. It’s long hours, and no, we don’t get to watch the matches as the medical centre is below Centre Court and has a fully kitted-out orthotics laboratory where we can make a pair of customised insoles for players that require them. We can also adjust the orthotics that the athlete may have. It’s a truly remarkable medical unit all underneath Centre Court.
All the athletes are so grateful when I’m able to treat them successfully and it’s so satisfying when they take the time to come in to see you after they’ve won a match … or even lost a match. People would be surprised at the ‘shocking feet’ of some of the world’s greatest tennis stars, that need my help. They are humble and grateful for the care and attention they received, and it makes treating them such a pleasure.
Some of the coaches, on the other hand, can be – shall we say – challenging at times! Understandably they only have the concern of their player at the forefront of their mind, so they may often ask about a treatment that I may be carrying out. But it’s all about being clear, managing player expectations and giving clinical advice which is scientifically proven.
Away from Wimbledon, I specialise in treating track and field athletes, footballers and motor sport athletes.
Of course, in my clinic, post-Wimbledon, I see a lot of foot injuries as many people take up tennis. It’s vital people wear footwear that is comfortable and THE RIGHT SIZE! So many times, foot skin and nail injuries occur as the footwear is simply too small or too large. However, it’s always a pleasure to treat everybody.
There are always special – and funny – moments at Wimbledon. My clinic overlooks the training area where players warm up. Without naming names, one year a certain player was warming up with a football and the ball happened to be kicked into my corridor, so I went to kick it back and simply couldn’t even kick it in a straight line. The player and his coaches fell about laughing, realising I have two left feet myself and I’m better at treating feet than playing football!
