There is a lot of talking about how and when to restart the tennis competitions after the world stopped following the Coronavirus pandemic. While all tennis players obviously prefer to compete in front of a packed stadium, there are different opinions if it’s better to play at the beginning without fans or not play at all.
During a recent interview, Alexander Zverev said that if there is no other choice, it would be fine for him to play without fans at the very beginning. However, Simona Halep and Petra Kvitova seem to be of a different opinion.
According to reports, the Romanian sensation commented: “Tennis minus fans doesn’t work… we enjoy the big stages so much because of the incredible passion the fans bring. Otherwise, tennis would be a different sport.”
Petra Kvitova also agreed with the statement to say: “I think the fans are too important. It’s an individual sport, that’s why the fans have such an impact for us.”
Mouratoglou to launch a league without fans
However, Patrick Mouratoglou has just announced his intention to start a league the weekend of the 16-17 of May at his Academy, hoping that the harsh lockdown in France will be lifted. The league will be played over 5 consecutive weekends and it will have no fans attending at the beginning. Alexei Popyrin and David Goffi have already agreed to play. Probably Zverev and Tsitsipas the next ones?
Simona Halep’s ranking and performance in 2020
Ranked no.2, Halep played her last match on the 22nd of February when she beat Elena Rybakina 3-6 6-3 7-65 in the final in Dubai to win her 20th career title.
Presently, this year Halep has a 10-2 win-loss record. The Romanian conquered 1 title in Dubai.
Petra Kvitova’s ranking and performance in 2020
Now ranked no.12, Kvitova played her last contest on the 29th of February when she capitulated to Aryna Sabalenka 6-3 6-3 in the final in Doha.
Petra Kvitova’s latest run in Doha was the best achievement of her season.
Simona Halep and Petra Kvitova played each other 4 times. The head to head is 3-1 for Halep. The last time that they locked horns, Petra Kvitova won 6-1 6-2 in the semifinal in Wuhan (Wuhan Tennis Open) in September 2016.
Alexander Zverev’s ranking and performance in 2020
Now ranked no.7, Alexander played his last match on the 26th of February when he surrendered to Tommy Paul 6-3 6-4 in the 2nd round in Acapulco.
Alexander Zverev’s most significant accomplishment of the year was reaching the semi-finals at the Australian Open.
Simona Halep, Petra Kvitova |
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