Jan-Lennard Struff: "Things get problematic from rank 100 onwards"
Jan-Lennard Struff on tennis training in corona times, possible waiver of advertising revenue and donations to previous clubs.
by Florian Goosmann
last edit: Apr 09, 2020, 03:23 pm
Tennis rests, both in the club and in the professional area. So far, it is still in the stars when it will go on, so far, a return within the US hard court season does not seem to be entirely excluded .
The current situation is also new for the professionals. While the superstars of the scene can at least use their own courts for training, other players are currently not able to train. But something seems to be happening slowly. "I got a special permit from the North Rhine-Westphalia State Sports Federation last week, and I can start training again from now on," Germany's number 2, Jan-Lennard Struff, told SPIEGEL . "I can understand when such exemptions for athletes are viewed critically by the rest of the population in the current situation. But it is also my job. And we have been subject to strict conditions."
Especially since it is currently not a question of "getting through", but rather two or three training units per week. "Set impulses, unlearn nothing, maintain your fitness level," says Struff.
Struff: "Many will fall by the wayside"
A complete cancellation of the season, which cannot be ruled out, would probably hit some players, "from world rank 100 or maybe 150 it will be problematic," believes the Warsteiner. Financial problems and corona restrictions when traveling could also affect coaches and physiotherapists. "That's a blow. Then there are contractual problems. What if the coaches can no longer be paid? A cycle is set in motion and many will be left behind."
An idea: higher earners should give something to the players who are more affected. A correct idea, the implementation of which could be difficult, says "Struffi". "I see it in myself: I have a few more years in which I can play. I have to make provisions for the time afterwards. I have a high school diploma and will probably be able to stay in the tennis field. But I haven't studied and haven't been for years and years permanently employed in a job for tens of years. " Federer , Djokovic and Nadal have already donated huge sums, Struff suggests that donations also go to tennis, for example to former clubs or old coaches who are currently out of work.
He could imagine to meet his sponsors if there were losses due to the corona crisis and the companies got problems. "We are partners. I would do without," said the 29-year-old. Which also pointed out the difference to footballers. "We are sole proprietors. When it starts again, I have to watch how I cover the costs."