Locked in Australian Open – Olympists

On the eve of the next edition of the Australian Open, tennis stars will never have known such preparation for a Grand Slam tournament. The health crisis, which has been present throughout the world for a year now, is the cause. Back on the strange preparations for the Australian tournament.

Already postponed by several weeks, the 2021 Australian Open will be unprecedented. Despite the good management of the crisis in the host country, there was no lack of strict sanitary measures. Almost total isolation, no access to the grounds and to the sports halls, most of the participants lived through their quarantine could not be more difficult. A test that is both physical and moral. Added to this, the imbalance between the situation in Melbourne and that in Adelaide has made people jealous. Many constraints which suggest that this fortnight will be very special.

Blame it on the Covid

And it must be said that the epic on the Pacific Island started badly. From the outset subject to a fortnight quarantine upon their arrival on Australian soil, the players knew what to expect: 19 hours out of 24 locked in their hotel room and 5 hours per day allowed to train with a single partner . Binding certainly, but still bearable. Except that everything did not go as planned. Positive cases present in three flights to Melbourne have forced 72 players from these planes into total isolation. The quarantine promises to be more complicated than expected …

Measures taken by the organization of the Open, determined to maintain the tournament. In Australia, where there have been no cases of Covid for many weeks, the pressure from the organizers was maximum. Above all do not waste all the Australians’ efforts for what many see as a “Simple tennis tournament”. Because in the land of the kangaroo, life is as before: restaurants, full stadiums, no mask, like on another planet. So when dozens of players arrive from all over the world, you have to take the necessary measures. The problem is that the gratin of world tennis somewhat escapes these rules.

Adelaide and Melbourne, two rooms two atmospheres

Because if the majority of participants are almost, or even totally confined to Melbourne, the “top 3” (three best men and three best women) enjoy a certain preferential treatment. Exiled in Adelaide, this handful of stars have a good life. Gym at the hotel, extended staff, sports sessions not counted against the 5 hour limit (as is the case in Melbourne). An exhibition was even organized so that they could warm up in addition to doing the show. A strong contrast with the prisoners of Melbourne where some cannot cross the landing of their door.

A situation that divides. Of course, these players are the best in the world and therefore enjoy privileges. And while some find these advantages deserved and legitimate, others see them as a great inequality. The Australian Open could indeed lack sporting fairness. So to remedy this controversy and chase away tensions, the lucky ones in the “Adelaide bubble” are silent. No social media posts, no stories, nothing. All except one: Novak Djokovic. The world number 1 has exhibited a lot since arriving in Australia. From his balcony (something confined to Melbourne do not have), the Serbian takes the stage. An attitude criticized by many players, including Rafael Nadal.

Chamber training: between humor and despair

Meanwhile in Melbourne, it’s time for humor. Most players prefer to laugh at the situation rather than mope… except Benoît Paire! The Frenchman said he spent 14 days in his bed. Astonishing isn’t it? In neighboring rooms, we innovate. Course, guitar, mattress surfing, improvised tennis court, facial treatment, a range of activities, each more delusional than the next. Because despite the restrictions, you have to continue to train so as not to lose shape!

But despite everything, the wait is long and difficult for these regulars of sport and back and forth. Many complain about the deplorable conditions in which they are treated. A “Prison with wifi”is the expression used by the Spaniard Roberto Bautista-Agut. The parallel with prisoners in cells is perhaps a little strong, but it is nevertheless the caricatural impression given. So when he is told that his training for the day is canceled, Nicolas Mahut has nothing else to do but get depressed. Not to mention the unfortunate people who crossed the path of the Covid, such as Stan Wawrinka. The Swiss caught the virus at the end of December and felt weakened. Good news, he was still able to rally Australia. Others tested positive upon arrival. And the protocol is uncompromising: a positive case in a hotel results in the isolation of all players, staff and resident officials. A vicious circle.

Lots de consolation

All is not dark in this “pre” Australian Open. Already because several tournaments have been organized to allow players to retry the ball. Two ATP 250s, the “Murray River Open” (Melbourne 1) and the “Great Ocean Road” (Melbourne 2). In women, ditto. In addition to the “Gippsland Trophy” and the “Yara Valley Classic”, the WTA has decided to organize an internal tournament, the “Grampians Trophy”, between the 27 players totally confined from the start. On top of that, the Adelaide exhibition tournament set up for the world’s best. Without forgetting the ATP Cup which will pit Russia against Italy in the final. A brief return to the courts before the big deadline on Monday.

But the best thing to see is without a doubt the return of the spectators authorized to attend the matches. The organizers have agreed to host 30,000 people each day, then 25,000 from the quarter-finals. A gauge doubly lower than last year, but exorbitant in view of the current situation. Australia’s flawless handling of the virus gives the Grand Slam what global sport is eagerly awaiting: the public comeback. And some athletes were able to taste this wonderful sensation in preview during the exhibition in Adelaide. The presence of the fans, a way to remind us of the good old days, the euphoria and the atmosphere of a tennis court.

Mila Buchet

Photo credit: sport.francetvinfo.fr