World No.12 Denis Shapovalov has lifted the lid on the long-term impact of the Australian Open’s quarantine situation, saying “a lot of players are struggling” with mental and motivational challenges.
The Australian government’s border policies placed the most significant restrictions on tennis players since the ATP and WTA tours resumed amid the COVID-19 pandemic last August.
The majority of players in Melbourne were allowed to leave their hotel rooms for five hours per day, but Shapovalov was among those locked down for 14 days when travellers on their chartered planes tested positive.
Despite the limitations ahead of the Australian Open, Shapovalov managed to win a five-set thriller in the first round before his tournament was ended in the third round.
The 21-year-old returned to the court nearly a month later at the Qatar Open, and this week he is playing in Dubai for the first time in his career.
Shapovalov, who will play a quarter-final on Thursday, said he needed regular breaks and new experiences to emerge out of his post-Melbourne funk.
“I’ve been trying to stay out of the bubble as much as possible. After Australia I felt like it took a toll on me,” he said.
“So I came to Dubai just to practise and relax, pulled out of Rotterdam just because I didn’t feel ready. I’m trying to play as little tournaments as possible and sometimes new tournaments like (Dubai).
“For sure it helps because it’s something new, it doesn’t feel like a routine. It’s something to look forward to when you play new tournaments.
“I feel like it’s more interesting because everything is new, the courts, the restaurant, it’s a new experience, so it’s a little bit easier for myself.”
Shapovalov is scheduled to play at the Miami Masters next week but he has yet to register for any tournaments to begin April.
He said the circumstances behind the Australian Open had taught more players to tread carefully during the pandemic.
“I definitely don’t want to play too much this year if it’s going to be a bubble life, because it is extremely difficult mentally to be locked up like this,” Shapovalov said.
“Of course it’s amazing to play, but as the weeks go on you kind of lose that passion for tennis and a lot of players are struggling with that.
“So we’re trying to take the approach of kind of minimising that as much as possible and just enjoying every match that I do go out and play this year.”
The remarks highlight the other side of the debate surrounding the ATP Tour’s revised ranking systems after heavy criticism from top-10 players Alexander Zverev and Andrey Rublev.
Zverev said it was “absurd” that he remained behind Roger Federer despite the Swiss legend spending a year off the tour.
The in-form Rublev sided with his German rival, indicating he would prefer his results – he has won five titles since September – to be reflected in his ranking.
“If we would have the normal system, I would be like No.4 in the world I think,” Rublev said.
“So what do you think is better for me, to be No.8 or No.4?”
Meanwhile, women’s world No.1 Ash Barty said time at home after the Australian Open had helped prepare her for returning to overseas competition during the pandemic.
After recovering from a leg injury the Queenslander will step up her season when the Miami Open begins next week.
Barty, who has played just once outside Australia since the end of 2019, will then head straight for the European clay-court season, including the French Open.
“It’s been really nice to be at home to prepare in a way where we can train and get my body right again,” Barty said.
“It was important to give myself time to rest and recover, but now we’re excited to go. I’m feeling really good. I’m feeling in a really happy place and I’m excited to get out there and compete again.
“I’m looking forward to getting back into the rhythm of being on tour again. It’s obviously a bit challenging and it’s going to be a bit of a different year, a different experience for us, but one that we’re looking forward to.
“I think it’s important for us to take the positives and know how lucky we are to have the opportunity to go out there and play.”