Surviving and thriving: The players dealing best with quarantine

The idea of spending a couple of weeks in a five-star hotel in Melbourne, with almost unlimited food laid on, probably sounds like a dream to most people. But if you couldn’t actually leave the room, and had to spend every hour, awake and asleep, in a confined space, then the glamour soon fades.

At least 72 players will not be allowed to leave their hotel room until their 14 days of quarantine are up after their flights saw someone test positive for the Coronavirus. That has left some of them understandably unhappy, knowing that they are likely to lose fitness and strength, seriously impacting their preparations for the Australian Open.

Many are able to practice, of course, and overall, most are surviving and some are really making the most of it with some inventive ways to stay fit and sane. Here’s our look at who’s thriving and surviving in quarantine in Melbourne.

Yulia Putintseva: The footwork queen

The Kazakhstan star has been keeping herself upbeat, mixing a bit of hitting with a bit of dancing. Nice footwork!

Grand slam preparation 😅 pic.twitter.com/ALvc4EugN6

— Yulia Putintseva (@PutintsevaYulia) January 17, 2021

Any workout songs suggestions? #tryingtostaypositive 🙄 pic.twitter.com/zi8GfSVqiD

— Yulia Putintseva (@PutintsevaYulia) January 18, 2021

Bernard Tomic: First world problems

Tomic actually looks like he’s not bothered by too much, but at least according to this video, made by his girlfriend, Vanessa Sierra, the pair have some first world problems to deal with.

Belinda Bencic: Pushing the boundaries

The Swiss has been trying to keep her eye in by honing her backhand with some drills, although hitting against a hotel room window might not be the wisest choice?!

Wrong surface but that doesn‘t matter for us💪🏽 pic.twitter.com/R8FsdyGafy

— Belinda Bencic (@BelindaBencic) January 17, 2021

Elina Svitolina: Master of the video

The Ukrainian has long been a master of social media, especially when she and Gael Monfils work together. Unable to practice on Monday, Svitolina still got a bit of a workout done, just about.

Never got a knock but at least practiced my sprints 🏃🏼‍♀️ pic.twitter.com/IO61oCPOtY

— Elina Svitolina (@ElinaSvitolina) January 18, 2021

Pablo Cuevas: The improviser supreme

The Pablo Cuevas backhand is always a thing to be admired, even when he’s using a mattress as a backboard.

Well, Uruguayan tennis player Pablo Cuevas has found a way to practice while cooped up in quarantine before the @AustralianOpen.

Just belt balls against an upright mattress in your hotel room! 😂🎾 pic.twitter.com/ZWHoOy8blz

— ABC SPORT (@abcsport) January 17, 2021

Heather Watson: The long distance runner

Being cooped up in a room is clearly not going to stop the Briton from keeping fit. Who needs a running track or a treadmill to run a 5K?!

5k 😅 pic.twitter.com/oL2Qehg2LE

— Heather Watson (@HeatherWatson92) January 17, 2021

And Watson has been showing the merits of shadow tennis, too.

Day 4/14 – I played tennis without a tennis ball or tennis court pic.twitter.com/JE1hNAQ6zD

— Heather Watson (@HeatherWatson92) January 18, 2021

Katie Boulter: Calmness and perspective

Fellow Briton Katie Boulter has also found inspiration during the first few days

Quarantine day 3. Double yoga life 🙏🏼 (That view tho 😍) pic.twitter.com/l4lyLTPZo9

— Katie Boulter (@katiecboulter) January 17, 2021

Ons Jabeur: Always looking on the bright side

Ons Jabeur has her husband and coach on hand, and the latter is still managing to put her through her paces.

As you all know, I am one of the players that has been placed in full isolation. Not the easiest news to get but staying strong and making the best of it. I am committed to do whatever it takes to get ready despite the circumstances. Time to get creative 😜 👇👇 pic.twitter.com/pTdZDy0saM

— Ons Jabeur (@Ons_Jabeur) January 18, 2021

Johanna Konta: Tongue in cheek

Just because the restaurants of Melbourne are off-limits to the players right now, it doesn’t mean the food can’t come to the players.

Just because I can’t get to @hunkydoryfish doesn’t mean that the 🐠 can’t come to me!

Now I feel like I’m in Melbourne! 🙌#HunkyDoryFish pic.twitter.com/r60bgUXigY

— Johanna Konta (@JohannaKonta) January 18, 2021

And she has clearly not lost her sense of humour, either.

Time on my hands 🕰 pic.twitter.com/BDjWnlAEaB

— Johanna Konta (@JohannaKonta) January 17, 2021

Alex de Minaur: Sitting pretty

Patience is a virtue at the best of times, but when you’re waiting to be allowed out to practice, it’s even more crucial!

Seems Alex De Minaur can’t wait for practice

(🎥 @alexdeminaur) pic.twitter.com/7M6RzWZCnH

— We Are Tennis (@WeAreTennis) January 18, 2021

Stan Wawrinka: One-man band

And following the rules is a no-brainer, even when you’re a former champion and a three-time Grand Slam winner.

Rule 1 of quarantine : no contact 🚷☕️🍳🥑✅🇦🇺🙏🏻 #day1 #happytobehere #grateful #readytowork pic.twitter.com/3kDSUCNb0e

— Stanislas Wawrinka (@stanwawrinka) January 16, 2021