.png)
87. HOME SWEET HOME
As I have said many times in my blogs, life for the majority on the pro tennis tour is far from glamorous. The tournament hotels are cheap and cheerful – basic and (usually) clean – but far from the four or five star hotels frequented by the top tier players. The alternative is self catering – which again can be a bit of a lottery, or else housing with a family, which is always a very welcome option as it rarely comes with any charge (see blog 68. ‘Amazing Hosts’ – https://realitytennis.wordpress.com/2023/10/22/amazing-hosts/).
A further option that comes up occasionally, is staying on the property of a host/club – in an RV, caravan or little hut, sometimes with shared shower and toilet facilities! These ones can take a bit of getting used to and are always an adventure but needless to say, they are still hugely appreciated. Some come with their own catering facilities but to be honest, it is usually easier to try to find a local restaurant or take out facility, rather than having to buy all the ingredients and cleaning materials you need, and then also try to learn to cook on a camping stove.
If the country you are in is a hot one, then these forms of accommodation can more challenging as AC is not guaranteed and the nights can be long and sweaty but again, the upside is that your stay is free of charge and so long as your player gets reasonable rest then all is ok! I always let my player have the better/larger bed as she is the one who has to ‘work’ the next day, so I have slept on a few airbeds over the years but even taking account of my more senior years, I have survived and have managed to get the rest I need.
For sure, given the choice of staying in a plush hotel or a shed, I would always choose the former but ‘beggars can’t be choosers’ as they say and needs must at the mid/lower end of the tour. There is never a dull moment and my player and I always look back on our stays with a smile and treat them as part of life’s experiences and as an incentive to progress to the higher levels. So long as the player gets a good night’s rest and has somewhere to eat and relax in between matches, then all is good with the world!
******************************************************
If you have enjoyed this blog, please follow, share and read more at:
and subscribe to receive e mail notification of upcoming blogs as they are released. Follow also at:
Twitter: @realitytennis
Instagram: realitytennis
If you have similar stories to share, please feel free to e mail the author at:
Comments