Life inside the ‘bubble in the bubble’ tough for Kristina Mladenovic after Benoit Paire contact

There was great joy and relief for Kristina Mladenovic after she overcame a tough build-up to the US Open to reach the second round.
As if living in a bio-secure bubble at Flushing Meadows was not already difficult, Mladenovic and six other players have been forced to live in a “bubble in the bubble” after Benoit Paire tested positive for the coronavirus.
Frenchman Paire was withdrawn from the US Open over the weekend while organisers have also decided to put seven players who were in contact with him in isolation.
Although the seven players were not identified, Mladenovic revealed after her 7-5, 6-2 first-round win over Hailey Baptiste from the United States that she is one of the players.
Sorry for your ears🤣 but you can’t imagine how it feels….. 💪🏻 #allez @usopen https://t.co/oyWlcpoZsI
— Kristina Mladenovic (@KikiMladenovic) August 31, 2020
“I am basically in a new ‘bubble in the bubble,’ so there’s not very much I’m allowed to do, which makes it tough for me to compete and mentally be kind of fresh and ready,” she said.
Asked about what she is allowed to do, she replied: “Let’s make it simple: I’m allowed to play my match. Literally, not allowed to do anything else.”
Mladenovic came into contact with Paire as she practised with him and also p layed cards with him and others in the lobby of a hotel inside the “controlled environment”.
She added: “It’s pretty tough for me to accept that … because it’s not like I’m part of (Paire’s) entourage.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official.
Latest
-
Kevin Palmer
Britain’s strength in depth in doubles highlights quality of structure
British tennis may be wondering who can replace Andy Murray, but they have a very different story to tell in the doubles arena.
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal pulls out of his next event due to ‘ongoing’ back problem
Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the ABN…
-
Tennis News
Lleyton Hewitt to be inducted into International Tennis Hall Of Fame
Former world No.1 Lleyton Hewitt is the latest player who will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
-
Tennis Features
Five of the best men’s matches at the Australian Open featuring Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Rafael Nadal, and more
The matches that made us sit up and take note.
-
Australian Open
Five of the best women’s matches at Australian Open featuring Naomi Osaka vs Garbine Muguruza, and more
Five of the best women’s singles matches at the 2021 Aus Open.
-
WTA Tour
Ashleigh Barty laments giving away control to Danielle Collins as she suffers defeat in Adelaide
Early exit for defending champion Ashleigh Barty.
-
Australian Open
Toni Nadal believes the pressure got to Daniil Medvedev in the Australian Open final
Daniil Medvedev felt the heat.
-
Tennis News
Serena Williams still believes she can win another Grand Slam and has no plans to retire just yet, says her coach
Serena Williams not ready to quit.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic’s father hits out at Western media over their negative portrayal of his son
Srdjan Djokovic slams Western media.
-
News
Andy Murray’s Montpellier run shortlived as he suffers first-round exit
Andy Murray went down in straight sets.