With the 2021 Australian Open, players are facing some unique challenges when it comes to training. Since COVID-19, travel has become more complicated, causing many players to need to quarantine before the tournament. While some have been allowed to train like usual, others haven’t been so lucky. Players who have had a positive COVID-19 case on their flight have been told to quarantine in their hotel rooms. During this time, players have taken up the challenge of training while quarantining in their hotel rooms. Their training has taken many forms, from practicing their serves against blank walls or windows to basic exercises. Their determination and creativity have allowed them to maintain their form despite the challenges a two-week quarantine will bring.
Many of the players in quarantine have recently taken to Twitter and Tiktok to show their creative training methods. Some of these players are Belinda Bencic, Hsieh Su-Wei, Coco Gauff, Heather Watson, and Ons Jabeur. Sorana Cirstea, and Yulia Putintseva have been the most vocal about the quarantine, stating that they wouldn’t have agreed to play in the tournament had they known about the isolation rule.
Quarantine Tingzzzzz @AustralianOpen ✌🏾😝 pic.twitter.com/mevsbwifVX
— Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) January 19, 2021
Going from couch to court is not ideal for any player. However, during the two weeks, they have shown that they refuse to do just that. Instead, they are coming up with creative ways to stay fit and ensure they can play their best when they reach the court. This just shows that the 2021 Australian Open will be like no other.
Testing Hotel Window Strength
Some of the players in isolation have taken to testing their serves against the hotel windows. While the hotel windows are strong, some of those swings hit pretty hard. Other players have instead taken to practicing their swing against walls or a mattress. Mattresses are a great option – they allow you to put some power behind your swing without worrying about the potential of breaking any windows.
There have been other methods they have used to train for the tournament. Some of these methods have been working on their conditioning and strength. Heather Watson has been seen doing her squat presses while holding up a leather chair. Other methods have been planking or running a 5 k within the small space of their hotel room. Either way, many followers find inspiration in their videos. It just proves that whether you are a part of 2021 Australian Open or are just wanting to get into shape, quarantine doesn’t have to hold you back.
Day 5/14 – squat press with a leather chair (& bangers on in the background 🎶) pic.twitter.com/YwrKGJyV2c
— Heather Watson (@HeatherWatson92) January 19, 2021
Take a look at why cross-training is important for your game, even if quarantine isn’t a problem for you.
How You Can Prepare for 2021 Australian Open
There are many ways to prepare for the game. Whether you want to practice your serves or you want to upgrade your equipment for your next match, Tennis Express has you covered. Check out these tennis training essentials that’ll help you stay in top form if you’ve been avoiding the gym. From reaction balls to training cones, you’ll find equipment that helps you build on your tennis skills. Pairing quality training and practice with quality equipment will allow you to perform your best on every court.
If improving your tennis is a goal you’ve set for yourself in 2021, these tennis-themed resolutions will help you get there, and further.
Take a moment to check out our latest tennis shoes, racquets, and apparel selection for gear updates that’ll carry your game a long way.
Visit TennisExpress.com today as we get ready for an exciting Australian Open!
That’s it for the Tennis Express Ultimate Tennis Gift Guide for 2020. For all of the newest tennis gear and tennis apparel, visit us at tennisexpress.com.
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