Bopanna flies to the US to play Cincinnati Open
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Rohan Bopanna was in a dilemma when he had to decide whether to participate in the upcoming tournaments in the US or not. However, reports now suggest that the World No.37 has taken up a call as he has confirmed to play four tournaments in the US.
Bopanna’s schedule includes his participation with Denis Shapalopov at the ATP Masters in Cincinnati. Later he will play the US Open in New York. Then he begins his clay-court tournament in Rome followed by French Open from September 27th.
Bopanna’s preparations amidst the Lockdown
Boppana has been actively training even amidst the lockdown. He was hitting the courts in Bangalore in June before the consequent lockdowns were implemented by the government.
”Physically I’m feeling great. I’ve been doing a lot of Iyengar Yoga, which has enhanced my physical strength. I’ve been practicing in my academy for the past three weeks, both on clay and hard courts. So in terms of hitting the ball, I feel fine. Clearly, no one will be match-sharp. We just have to take things, literally and absolutely, one match at a time. There’s no point thinking too far ahead,” Bopanna was quoted as saying to Hindustan Times.
Bopanna’s concerns amidst the Pandemic
the 40-year-old Indian player Bopanna made a decision to travel to US after the government said no to any period of quarantine for players traveling. He says,
I love competing and am really happy to be back. Having said that, the tournaments will feel different with no people watching. There are so many restrictions with the US Open in terms of the (halved) doubles draw and no singles qualifying. So, yes, it’s a Grand Slam, but it’s kind of a closed Grand Slam. So I’m not really sure what to expect.”
Bopanna had a number of concerns including the various exceptions made in the US Open this year. He said ,
Initially nobody was sure because we don’t have any firsthand information about how things are planned there. We are only reading and receiving information. But once they put in place the protocols and logistics of how everything was going to be carried out, it made it a little easier to make the decision to travel. The main thing was the flights had to open up in India
Rohan Bopanna is amongst the players who will have to travel from a different continent to participate in the tournaments. He took a COVID-19 test before travelling. The test that was negative allowed him to continue his plans to participate in the event.
“I’m going in with an open mind,” says Bopanna
It’s the same scenario here. It’s very difficult to say how it’s going to be and there’s no point pre-guessing it. All I know for a fact now is that once I leave, I won’t be coming back immediately. I’ll play all the four tournaments, return to India and get quarantined,”
Bopanna has wisely said that he will take care of all the precautions. He is also a father to a 15 month old and has enjoyed the lockdown period with family.
I’m going with an open mind. Once we get there I think we’ll have a better idea of how things are. But there will be no access to Manhattan or any restaurants or anything else. It’s just tennis courts and back. So I’ll kind of be in another lockdown, only this time in New York!
The 2017 French Open doubles champion will be seen playing the doubles events at the coming up slams.
Not at all surprised that some players have decided not to go, It’s a purely personal decision; I don’t think anybody can be held for that. Everyone has different thoughts on the situation. But that’s the beauty of our sport—you can make your own call.”
Bopanna will be seen in action at the Cincinnati Open from next week.
Also Read: Rohan Bopanna launches tennis scholarship programme to sponsor 60 kids
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Jagriti Choudhry
(329 Articles Published)