French Open in the bubble: “Eiffel Tower from the hotel room”

As in New York, the professionals in the French capital live in a so-called bubble. Unlike in the USA, no extravagances such as private houses are allowed. Two hotels are available to the players. The professionals in ranking positions 1-60 live in one, and the rest of the field of participants live in the other. Hotel – tennis court – hotel: This is what everyday life will look like.

“I probably won't see more of Paris this year than the Eiffel Tower, which I can see from my hotel room,” said the German Angelique Kerber and emphasized: “I've now adjusted to it and am trying to make the best of it .” Incorrect test results? Tennis aces protest The top favorites Rafael Nadal (Spain), Dominic Thiem (Austria) and Novak Djokovic (Serbia) are also going into the clay court tournament with this attitude. Life in a bubble and without contacts and without opportunities for a trip into the city isn't really fun. However, it is currently the only chance that the stars and also the not-so-lavish earners in the industry can do their jobs. “I’m happy that the French Open is taking place at all,” said Kerber. Fernando Verdasco is not allowed to take part in the French Open and is furious. © APA/afp / CHRISTOPHE SIMON

However, some professionals were denied participation - which has already brought harsh criticism to the organizers led by tournament director Guy Forget. Most recently, Spanish veteran Fernando Verdasco made his frustration public after testing positive for Covid-19 and being excluded from the tournament. Later tests were negative, but the organizers refused him another test, the 36-year-old wrote on social media and expressed his “complete frustration and outrage.” He was “deprived of the right to take part in this important event”.

This also applies to Bosnian Damir Dzumhur, whose coach tested positive. Dzumhur said he was convinced that the result was wrong and even threatened to sue the French Open makers. Only 1000 viewers per day And yet, despite all odds, the first main round matches will be played on Sunday - but not in front of 20.000 spectators, as they had hoped in Paris some time ago. The organizers had to regularly reduce the number of fans in the narrow facility at the Bois de Boulogne. According to the current status, 1000 people are allowed to watch per day - no ghostly atmosphere like in New York recently, but still far from normal.

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French Open in the bubble: “Eiffel Tower from the hotel room”

And once again a tournament full of doubts, uncertainties and plenty of trouble begins even before the first serve. Just two weeks after the end of the ghost US Open, the international tennis elite will meet for the French Open.

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