The draining bodily results of lengthy flights and travelling by way of time zones is one thing many people know all too properly.
So spare a thought for Belgian tennis participant Elise Mertens, who made a mad sprint from the WTA Finals in Texas to the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Glasgow.
Mertens, 26, gained the doubles title alongside Veronika Kudermetova in Fort Price on Monday night time.
Not even 24 hours later, after three flights and going by way of six time zones, she arrived in Scotland at 21:47 GMT on Tuesday night time
She was not able to play within the singles on Wednesday morning and, in her absence, Belgium misplaced each matches with out their highest-ranked participant as Slovakia clinched the best-of-three tie.
On Wednesday afternoon, Mertens gained within the doubles alongside Kirsten Flipkens – which may show vital for the Belgians’ hopes of reaching the semi-finals.
“I’d be pissed off if I misplaced however we gained, so that is all good,” mentioned Mertens, who’s ranked twenty ninth on this planet.
“I had my flight at 10pm [from Fort Worth] and I used to be nonetheless doing media at 8:15pm.
“We rushed. I barely showered. We received to the airport at like 8:55pm. They mentioned we had 4 minutes for the baggage. One bag on the size. Two minutes. Oh, my God.
“My mother and I ran to the gate and we made it. Then three flights, we went to Madrid, went to London, after which to Glasgow.
“It has been fairly a journey.”
The shut proximity of the 2 tournaments has led to criticism, together with from Poland’s world primary Iga Swiatek.
Swiatek, the three-time Grand Slam champion, mentioned the scheduling was “not protected” and withdrew from the BJK Cup Finals.
Mertens mentioned she hoped the WTA and ITF would tackle the problem subsequent yr, however was ready to take a look at the state of affairs in “a constructive means”.
“I am feeling good. It was a protracted journey, however I am devoted to play for Belgium,” added Mertens, who had seven hours of sleep and a “little nap” earlier than incomes a 6-0 6-3 win with Flipkens.
“Regardless that we misplaced, we nonetheless have an opportunity. I believe we now have to take a look at on the constructive facet.”
