“Want to stay out of the bubble as much as possible” – Denis Shapovalov to play fewer games in 2021

“Want to stay out of the bubble as much as possible” – Denis Shapovalov to play fewer games in 2021

Denis Shapovalov

Denis Shapovalov has decided to play selective tournaments until the restrictions of bio-bubble are lifted. Giving priority to his mental health, the Canadian has decided to feature in selective tournaments as he believes the life in bubble is draining passion for the game.

The world No. 12 is currently playing in the Dubai Open and has qualified for the quarter finals winning his R16 game in 3 sets after going down in the first. Shapovalov is playing the Dubai Open after featuring in the singles and doubles event of the Australian Open going out in the quarter finals and R32 games respectively.

Shapovalov trying to stay out of the bubble as much as possible

Denis Shapovalov

Speaking to reporters, the 21 year old said, “I’ve been trying to stay out of the bubble as much as possible,” . “I felt Australia took a toll on me so I went to Dubai to relax, pulled out of Rotterdam because I wasn’t ready. I am trying to play as (few) tournaments as possible. sometimes new tournaments like this, for sure it helps because it’s something new, it doesn’t feel like a routine. I feel like it’s more interesting. It’s a little easier for myself.”

2019 and 2020 were busy seasons for the young Canadian who was involved in 29 events in 2019 and 14 events in 2020, even with many tournaments getting cancelled due to the pandemic. “I definitely don’t want to play too much this year if it’s going to be a bubble life, because it’s extremely difficult mentally to be locked up like this. Of course it’s amazing to (be able to) play but as the weeks go on, you kind of lose that passion for tennis. A lot of players are struggling with that, so we’re trying to take the approach to minimise that as much as possible and just enjoy every match I do go out and play this year,” he said.

It’s a good sign that young players are taking breaks and prioritising their mental health setting good examples for the young fans who idolise the players.

Also Read: Naomi Osaka does this in her free time.