Jan-Lennard Struff: "This will be a brutally new situation"
The professional break came for tennis professional Jan-Lennard Struff at the worst possible time. Now the 29-year-old is allowed to use the racket again. But everything is different.
by SID
last edit: Apr 15, 2020, 10:27 am
Jan-Lennard Struff, after an officially ordered break you can now train again with an exemption. How does that feel?
Jan-Lennard Struff (29): It was one of the longest phases without a racket that I have ever had and it was also strange to keep fit differently than usual. When I played again for the first time, it was honestly quite creepy and didn't feel good. But then you can easily get back into the rhythm. I've played tennis for so long, I don't forget. But it takes time.
How does a unit work under the current, special signs?
We have the permission to train in the hall for two - either with my trainer or with my sparring partner. Disinfection devices are there, we keep the necessary distance completely. The training is currently running so that we play a little, give small impulses. For example, turning around more technically on the forehand or running into the corners - that's the hardest thing at the moment, the intensity goes away so quickly. You can walk outside, but it's a completely different burden.
As a professional, you normally have a tournament in mind. What is it like to train now without a real goal?
We don't really know how to deal with it. Playing without a goal is difficult. Otherwise you think: Okay, I have to be ready for the tournament again in two weeks and I'm working on my serve, for example. For the first time in a unit, I asked myself what I was doing the whole thing for. A day later I had the feeling: Okay, I know a little for what again. It is really a difficult situation. When tournaments are in sight again, there will probably be a four to six-week preparation in which you have to build up the level and intensity again.
You are usually on the road a lot, now you are suddenly at home a lot. How do you experience the time?
I am mega happy that I can spend so much time with my girlfriend and son. He recently turned one year old. In the end, I consciously withdrew a little from tennis topics because I just wanted to dedicate the time to my family. Now I can do something with my child during the day and sometimes have time with my girlfriend in the evening, which has often been a bit short lately. It is just beautiful.
On the other hand, you were in top shape when the tour stopped. Does that worm?
Yes, of course I was in good shape. When a break takes a long time, it simply takes time away from the years you can play tennis. Years are limited in a career, so it's a shame if something like this happens now. But I just have to see that I can make the best of this time. In the sporty but also in the family area that I can return to the tour stronger. When it starts again, it will be shown who has rested well and worked well. It will be a brutally new situation for everyone.
How much is a professional tennis player affected by the current crisis? Do you also feel that financially?
Naturally. I've played very well in recent years and managed to put a little cushion on myself. If you extrapolate these weeks now, it is blatant what is omitted. If you only added the first-round prize money, that's a decent amount - with the French Open, with Wimbledon. Let's see if the sponsors all continue, that's more than questionable. We tennis players are self-employed. We pay for the training, the trips and the coaches themselves. These are enormous costs. I don't want to whine at all now because I'm very well and a lot of professionals, but players behind rankings 100 or 150 will get problems.
Can you imagine models of economic aid for these players?
The LTA in the UK supports its players from rank 101, but they also have a Grand Slam tournament with them in the country, which was also the only tournament insured for the pandemic. At DTB it will be more difficult to support many players. But I am sure that they will try their best. There are not only the players, there are the clubs, the coaches and the tournaments. In my opinion, the ATP, WTA and ITF will also be in demand. The most important thing is to help as many as possible.
Do you think that the tour will still be played this year? And can you imagine playing without a spectator?
I am very critical that there will still be play this year. Getting the trips under control is brutally difficult. Nationally, it is conceivable because tennis is actually ideal as a sport at this time with two players who are very far apart and have no physical contact. I can imagine games without a spectator, even if it would be a shame. I love to play in front of fans. It just makes the sport so incredible.