DW Feature: Varvara Lepchenko at the 2021 Australian Open

What is your favorite part of the Australian Open?

The Australian Open cares so much for the players and it’s so nice to have that feeling when you come to Melbourne. They try to make us as comfortable as possible — in addition to the meals, they would deliver us surprises each day.

What was it like quarantining in a hotel room for 2 weeks in Melbourne?

It was a very positive experience. When we arrived at the hotel in Melbourne we were given a Covid-19 test. Once the test came back negative we were cleared to spend 5 hours outside in a designated area where we could do 2 hours of tennis, 1 hour of fitness, and some time dining outside.

How many hours do you train a day?

I usually train around 5 hours a day. I take approximately 2 hours to perform recovery (massages, stretching, ice baths, etc).

What do you snack on during the longer matches?

Usually I drink beverages with electrolytes and try to stay as hydrated as possible. My favorite on court snack is a banana.