Djokovic, Nadal missing the fans

EMPTY stands have been the new normal for tennis since last year due to Covid-19 restrictions, but top players like Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic say they still find it difficult to maintain their intensity during matches in the absence of fans.

The professional circuit was shut down for several months last year before tournament organisers set up “biosecure bubbles” for players and support staff, while keeping fans away from stadiums.

Barring the swing in Australia in February, tournaments continue to be played in front of a handful of fans at most.

Nadal lost some of his intensity during Wednesday’s 6-1, 6-2 win over Argentine Federico Delbonis at the Monte Carlo Masters, and the Spaniard was in no doubt the absence of fans took something away from the game.

“It’s difficult to keep going sometimes with the same intensity without the crowd,” said the 20-time Grand Slam champion.

“The crowd helps you to keep going. You want to show that you are in good shape. It’s true, personally I miss the crowd. I enjoy much more playing in front of a good crowd than without.”

World number one Djokovic produced a top performance to beat Italian 19-year-old Jannik Sinner 6-4, 6-2 at the ATP Masters 1000 event, but he too said he missed the energy generated by spectators.

“We need crowds back on the stands. The crowd gives us so much energy. Also, it adds to the motivation in a sense to what we do,” said Djokovic.

The Serbian conceded, however, that he had been able to focus a bit more without all the noise.

“We have this calm and kind of serenity on the stands and on the court. It just allows you to maybe focus on yourself a bit more, not have maybe as many distractions around that can happen.”