From dangerous roads to runny eggs: Sock, Johnson, Querrey and Isner discuss their European pet peeves

As the European clay swing takes full attention on the ATP and WTA calendar, some players are set to adapt to a different way of living from what they are used to. Former American players Jack Sock, Steve Johnson, Sam Querrey and John Isner shared their pet peeves when travelling and competing in this part of the world on the Nothing Major Show.

Former ATP Finals semi-finalist Sock went first, opting for the showers. There were a number of problems with them that he had much trouble dealing with.

"I’m going with the half-showers in hotel rooms," Sock began. "I just can’t stand them. Water goes everywhere on the floor—it’s the most annoying thing. It’s kind of cold too because you get a draft. There’s usually a glass door that only goes halfway, whether it’s a tub or a flat surface, and the water just sprays out."

He was extremely surprised by how Europeans regularly use these. "You have to put down a bunch of towels—it’s a mess. I don’t know whose idea that was. Why not just make a full door? It makes no sense. The floor is soaking wet when you get out. It’s insane that Europe has adopted this almost exclusively."

Unless you slip over, showers are relatively harmless and a watery mess can be cleaned up relatively quickly. If you get into an accident on the road, then that can be a lot more of a problem. He labelled driving as his second pet peeve, most notably on scooters.

"It always feels chaotic and stressful—like you’re going to get into an accident," he stated. "Scooters are flying by, drivers are aggressive, and tournament cars feel like they’re going way too fast if there’s even a little bit of space. I’m honestly surprised there aren’t more accidents."

Next was Johnson to say his. A familiar theme trended from the world number 21 with size again a factor. He echoed his frustration at the small elevators, limiting space especially when there are a number of people or if luggage is involved.

"The elevator situation everywhere in Europe. They fit one, maybe two people comfortably, and you can’t get your bags in there," he moaned. "Especially at hotels—if you’ve got a tennis bag, suitcase, and backpack, plus another person, it’s impossible. And people will just keep piling in until it feels unsafe. It’s the worst."

A more physical method of going up buildings is the stairs. While tedious and sometimes exhausting if needed to traverse up a number of flights, the elevator situation usually forced Johnson up this route. "I usually take the stairs, even with luggage, because I get so annoyed."

Back to the roads, and Johnson's usual chosen mode of transport is made redundant at times on the European tarmac. "I’m a big fan of a classic American SUV, and in Europe, everything is tiny—little hatchbacks or small sedans," he said.

He does not get what he wishes for in terms of the size of the car, and is normally left frustrated with something smaller than expected. "You ask for a big car from the airport, especially if you’ve got your coach, physio, or family with you, and they send something with barely enough space for two people and bags. I just want a full-size SUV—like a Tahoe or Suburban—but it’s just not a thing over there."

Former Wimbledon semi-finalist Querrey noted the beds. Being 6 ft 6, the American was not satisfied with the small beds in his hotel room that pushed together would swallow him up in the night.

"The beds. A king bed does not exist in Europe—it’s always two twin beds pushed together. You fall into the crack," he stated. "Sometimes, if the room isn’t carpeted, the beds are on wheels and start sliding apart during the night. You’re basically falling through the middle of the bed. Just call it what it is—it’s not a king."

Being a professional tennis player, travelling around the world is a must to compete in the biggest tournaments. This means the players often find themselves at airports. Querrey is no stranger to this, and lets out his frustrations at the tight space of time between the time of you flight and getting to the plane before it darts off without you on board.

"The airport gate situation," he commented. "They don’t tell you your gate until the last second. Everyone is just standing around staring at the screen, and then suddenly it updates and everyone sprints."

This is completely different from the USA. Adding to that, jet bridges are replaced by buses. "You could have a 15–20 minute walk to the gate and you’re rushing. In the U.S., you know your gate well in advance. Also, there are no jet bridges—you get on a bus and drive out to the plane."

The first person not to pinpoint a form of transport, Isner edged towards the European buffet. Specifically, the scrambled eggs, which were too runny for his liking.

"Why are they always so runny? You basically need a straw to eat them," he explained. "And if you want eggs cooked differently, it’s usually just sunny side up—yolk everywhere." He admitted that was the culture, but he was not a fan. "It’s part of the culture. Even top chefs make these soupy eggs. It’s gross."

He also gave an honourable mention to the buffets themselves. "And then at breakfast buffets, they’ve got cold cuts, salmon, and things you don’t really want in the morning—plus runny eggs. It’s just not great."

While you can still eat runny eggs or cold food, you cannot get into a hotel room without a key card. It is a tedious process for Isner to complete and something he is not fond of. "You have to put your key in a slot for the lights and everything to work. And then you forget it when you leave the room and have to get a new key made."

Tennis is regularly played in the sweltering European summer, making the air conditioner a priority. However, once out of the hotel room, it stops blowing refreshing cool air around. "Also, when you leave and take the key out, the air conditioning turns off. So you come back after a match and the room is boiling hot—it’s miserable."