In case you missed it, the PTPA recently announced its groundbreaking medical network program, PTPA MedNet, and the appointment of the esteemed Dr. Robby Sikka as the association’s first Medical Director! With Dr. Sikka’s guidance, PTPA MedNet will provide men’s and women’s tennis players worldwide with personalized, data-driven healthcare and medical support.
Passion for Helping Others
Dr. Sikka calls taking care of others his greatest honor in life. Professional athletes are continuously navigating health and medical challenges, and Dr. Sikka’s goal is to provide players the support, guidance, and resources they need to effectively navigate those challenges so they can return to play. As Dr. Sikka noted, that is his “greatest joy.”
Extensive Sports Experience
A sports medicine specialist, Dr. Sikka has spent decades working with professional athletes across sports. He previously served as the Vice President of Player Health & Operations for the Minnesota Timberwolves, and has also served as a team physician and overseen sports science programs with the New York Yankees, Denver Broncos, Minnesota Vikings, Washington Wizards and others.
Unique Areas of Expertise
Dr. Sikka is known as a renowned innovator at the intersection of technology, healthcare, sports and analytics. He is the developer of the world’s largest sports injury database for injury prediction and risk assessment, return to play and performance guidance, and optimization of rehabilitation strategies. He has published more than 50 peer-reviewed manuscripts, many on return to play after injury, and his research has been presented at dozens of national and international sports analytics and sports medicine meetings and has been featured by top media outlets such as CNN, ESPN, CNBC, Forbes, and Sports Illustrated.
The PTPA Medical Director Role
As the first-ever Medical Director of the PTPA, Dr. Sikka is responsible for operationalizing and overseeing PTPA MedNet, the PTPA’s new medical network program designed to protect and support professional tennis players’ health and safety. Dr. Sikka will work alongside players, player agents, athletic trainers and physical therapists to provide support with and consultation on a wide range of health and wellness challenges, such as:
- Preliminary medical opinions and independent, secondary medical opinions
- Medical record reviews
- Recommendations for qualified doctors and physical therapists around the world
- Injury prevention strategies
- Treatment plans
- Return-to-play strategies
His focus on providing end-to-end, comprehensive care for players in need helps ensure more equitable access to personalized health and wellness support for all players.
Dr. Sikka’s Goals with the PTPA
Dr. Sikka and PTPA MedNet are committed to raising the bar for personalized care for professional tennis players.
“We want to make this game sustainable so that the next generation of players can come in and have a safer sport.”
PTPA MedNet is an important step forward in creating a new standard of care for professional tennis players at scale, at Dr. Sikka will play a prominent role in supporting this mission.
How to Work with Dr. Sikka and PTPA MedNet
Players and player teams looking to utilize PTPA MedNet and work with Dr. Sikka and encouraged to contact him via phone, WhatsApp or email using the contact information found here. Dr. Sikka and his team are available to provide timely support 24/7, 365.