John Peers: We all want tennis to return but we need it to be done safely

Australian doubles star John Peers says he misses the Tour and everything that comes along with it as being home for such a long time just feels odd for the former doubles world No. 2.

The Tour has been suspended since March 12 due to the coronavirus pandemic but the hope is that it will be able to restart next month.

"I haven’t had to pack a bag to go away for a very long time and I know that we normally get used to living out of a suitcase,” Peers told Tennis Australia.

“You miss your friends on tour, you miss hanging out with everyone and seeing everyone and competing. We normally compete week in and week out pretty much, so to not do that for so long is very different.”

The Tour is projected to resume in the United States and a number of players have expressed their reservation about playing in the nation hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

21-time ATP doubles champion Peers insists everyone is anxious to return to competing but it has to be "done safely."

"I know everyone in tennis wants to get tennis up and going on a world stage, but I also know that everybody wants it to be done safely. So we’ve just got to bide our time and see what it looks like when we get closer to the time,” he said.

Peers focuses on the positive side 

Peers, who was born and raised in Melbourne, now resides in Perth and for the last few months he has been able to spend a lot of time with his family. 

The Australian says the last few months haven't been easy for anyone but being able time with his family makes it all look better.

"You’ve got to always look at the bright side. I know everyone’s going through a tough time at this stage, so to be able to have family around you is a huge bonus and something I’m really enjoying,” Peers said.

“Everyone’s going through similar circumstances so we’ve all just got to band together and see if we can come out of it the other side stronger and better in the long run.”

Peers recently won the UTR Pro Tennis Series event in Perth and winning a singles title was a bit odd for the doubles specialist.

"It’s a little bit different, a little lonely at times,” Peers said. “But I’m just enjoying it, being back on court and competing again. It’s been a while since we were able to do it.”

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3hvWTvQ