The uncertainty surrounding the resumption of professional tennis due to the COVID-19 pandemic has left hundreds of players at a loose end. But for one, they have used the hiatus to see what it is like to have a ‘normal job.’
Kevin Krawietz, who claimed his maiden grand slam doubles title less than a year ago in Roland Garros, is filling in his free time by working in a local supermarket. The German currently has a doubles world ranking of 13th and has achieved six wins on the ATP Tour this season prior to the suspension.
The 28-year-old is currently earning 450 euros per week in his supermarket job to help out during the lockdown in his home country. Speaking with Der Spiegel about his new venture, Krawietz has said his job has helped give him ‘more appreciation.’
“In general, I had been planning to look into a normal job for a long time. With Corona, I now have the opportunity to do this,” he said.
“Some of the colleagues here get up at five in the morning and are in the store from half past five to fill the shelves. In my life, on the other hand, I had the luxury of being able to turn my hobby into a job.”
The tasks he does range from shelf-stacking to disinfecting trolleys in a store located in the area of Munich. According to Eurosport Germany, he came across the job after hearing from a friend that they were in need of staff to work during the pandemic.
“I replenish shelves and I make sure that the sausages and cheese are in sight,” Krawietz said of his duties
“I sort the empty boxes.”
“I’ve also done security at the entrance, spraying the shopping trolleys with disinfectant.”
Despite his taste of life as a retail worker, Krawietz isn’t giving up on his tennis dream anytime soon. Due to a relaxation in Germany’s lockdown rules, he has been given a permit to train at a local sports facility nearby. He says he currently trains there three to four times a week.
Krawietz peaked at a ranking high of No.7 on November 4th 2019. Last year he qualified for the season-ending ATP Tour Finals along with compatriot Andreas Mies. They were only the second all-German team to ever play at the event and first since 1975. Krawietz and Mies also won two other ATP titles last year in New York and Antwerp.
