Roberto Bautista Agut Compares Australian Open 2021 Bubble to a ‘Jail’

Spanish World No. 13 Roberto Bautista Agut is currently serving time in quarantine ahead of the Australian Open 2021. Despite the extensive efforts of the organizers, many players are continuously expressing grief regarding the conditions inside the bubble.

Previously, some complained about the food and the regulations; now, Agut has stepped up comparing the bubble to a prison. In a mobile interview, the Spaniard said, “It’s like to be in the jail.”

While the 32-year-old opened on the conditions, he also blamed the Victorian government for everything. Because of the strict quarantine, the first Slam of the year has become a great challenge for the players.

On the contrary, the elite players of tennis are quarantining in an exclusive location in Adelaide. These include Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem, Ashleigh Barty, Simona Halep, Naomi Osaka, and Serena Williams, as well as their hitting partners.

Even this has been one of the causes of many players’ disappointment with the bubble. Additionally, players who cannot train at all because of a positive case on their flight will face an added challenge.

Read More: Tennis Australia CEO Rules Out Pushing Back Australian Open 2021 In Light of Covid Cases

Roberto Bautista Agut on Australian Open 2021 bubble

The 2019 Wimbledon semi-finalist has the reputation of being a polite person. But staying locked inside a room for 14 days without anybody has got him worked up.

“These people has no idea about tennis, about practise courts, has no idea about anything,” Roberto said. “So, it’s a complete disaster because of the control of everything. It’s not Tennis Australia, it’s the people from the government.”

However, Roberto gave the room workout a try and saw instantly what it lacked. Later on, he expressed his take on going through the coming two weeks in the same conditions.

“I did work in the room but it’s not the same,” he continued. “I was feeling very, very tight, and I cannot imagine staying 2 weeks like this. It’s really, really tough. I [have to] take it easy these days and have to work a lot mentally and be patient.”

Last year didn’t exactly work out in the Spaniard’s favor. However, he will want to make contributions in major tournaments as he did in 2019. That year, Roberto even reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open.

Moving forward, the Spaniard will start the season at the ATP Cup 2021 alongside Nadal. Hopefully, the tournaments in Australia will run their course with players battling for the titles.

Also Read: Is the Australian Open 2021 on Verge of Being Canceled?