Kimiko Date-Krumm revealed on her blog on Sunday that she has undergone a second surgical procedure on her left knee in bid to return to action.
The 45-year-old had arthroscopic surgery in February but the meniscus was found to be badly worn out. She went under the knife again on April 21 after she was told she required another operation to get back to the court.
The former world No. 4, who initially retired in 1996 but made a comeback in 2008 aged 37, had a cartilage transplant, microfracture surgery and her meniscus sewed up at Kobe University Hospital.
"I've taken time to think it through and it became a long-awaited surgery to move forward," Date-Krumm wrote. "I can't be certain of anything now, but I'm sure I'll be taking a huge step with this.
"The doctor told me the surgery and rehabs account for 40 percent each (of the whole recovery process), while he can be only sure of the rest once I step out there. Now it's my turn to stand up."
Date-Krumm will leave the hospital on Monday and move to the Japan Institute of Sports Science in Tokyo for rehabilitation. She last played in January when she was knocked out in the first qualifying round of the Australian Open.
