Smith’s doubles focus in bubble
UNCERTAINTY has been a feeling synonymous with John Patrick Smith’s daily life since his return to the international tennis circuit.
It is the nature of the sport and the travel demands required to succeed as Covid-19 continues to wreak havoc on tournaments across the globe.
But after 10 months on the road, the Townsville tennis ace believes he has at last adapted to the often brutal conditions.
At times he thrived on the doubles tour alongside Luke Saville, as the pair developed a habit of making quarterfinals but falling short in tense clashes in Europe and America.
In their four tournaments since the US Open, they made the final eight and it has the Queenslander convinced their best is still to come.
However Smith admits when he first boarded a plane in January, it was a nerve-racking experience.
As some of tennis’ biggest names withdraw from competitions upon falling victim to the virus, he said it painted a constant picture of uncertainty as he prepared for each event.
“You just don’t know who you come in contact with. Townsville is meant to be a safe spot and I’ve seen they’ve closed the Ville and a couple of other restaurants all through casual contacts,” Smith said.
“At the start it was like that (nerve wracking), but now you roll with the punches and you don’t go out much obviously. You’re pretty confined, pretty within your bubble to keep everything rolling.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen this year with the world shutting down again.”
Smith, 32, is looking to build his combination with Saville while staying healthy.
“That’s one of the biggest things, making that sacrifice so you don’t worry about being sick and pulling out,” Smith said.
“We (Saville and I) have had a lot of close matches, losing tiebreakers at the end. It’s one of those things where it takes a little time (to get in synch).
“We’ve known each other a long time, we’ve played a couple of challenges together and obviously knowing him for a long time helps.
“I think we’ve got a lot of opportunities coming up here, and I think we jell pretty well. The biggest thing now is getting practice early before the Australian Open starts.”
Smith will head to Adelaide on Wednesday to prepare for two tournaments in SA.