At the AccorHotels Arena,
A month ago at Roland-Garros, the presentations of players by the essential Marc Maury, speaker for many years of the majority of French professional tournaments, were followed by relatively strong applause from the thousand spectators, authorized to fill the enclosure.
Monday, for the first day of the Rolex Paris Masters, a deafening silence followed his interventions.
Marc Maury put his usual energy into good use when the actors entered the arena, accompanied by the usual sound and light show.
But no spectator was there to applaud.
Contrast a little embarrassing ... And the players now accustomed to these intimate atmospheres had to compose.
Tombeur in three sets (3-6, 7-6, 6-3) of the Italian Salvatore Caruso, Corentin Moutet, however did not spit on the closed camera established.
“The saddest thing is for those who like to come and watch the tournament, for the regulars,” he said.
If he admitted that "it was more fun to share a victory with the public", because he could not "celebrate or raise my hand at the end of the match", he did not see that disadvantages : “Since there is nobody, it's nice, it's intimate.
There are even more cameras than there are viewers.
It turns a bit into reality TV, it's funny!
“It must be said that this surreal atmosphere behind closed doors is the daily life of players on the circuit in this very special year.
"It's already great to be able to play, especially given the situation in France at the moment."
Benjamin bonzi
Benjamin Bonzi, impressive winner of Frederico Coria, prefers to be positive: “as for Roland-Garros, it's a very important tournament in France.
When we play tennis, we dream of participating, of playing great matches with a lot of people watching, with incredible atmospheres.
When we arrive on the ground, we manage to sort things out.
It's already very good to be able to play especially given the situation in France at the moment.
You should take advantage.
Once the match starts, you don't think too much about what's going on around.
"
"It's true that it feels a bit weird, because the room is really very large."
Ugo Humbert
Ugo Humbert, winner in Antwerp eight days ago also in front of ... zero spectators, continued his positive streak by dominating at the end of the suspense Casper Ruud.
He retains the essential.
“It's true that it feels a bit weird, because the room is really very large.
It may lack a bit of atmosphere, but for me that doesn't change a thing.
I try to do what I have to do on the court.
It's a little different, it's a little empty, but that's how it is.
I'm already very happy to be able to play this week.
“Because the simple fact that the tournament takes place, despite the re-containment due to the resurgence of coronavirus cases in France, is already a victory for the French Tennis Federation (FFT).
And too bad for the sinister atmosphere ...
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