Novak Djokovic has raised concerns over the US Tennis Association's proposed regulations for the US Open, describing some of the measures as extreme. Rafael Nadal, the current defending champion, shares these worries and is currently unwilling to risk his health. The fact that the world's top two players are both hesitant has created significant anxiety around the tournament's future. The US Tennis Board is now meeting to evaluate whether the event can realistically take place in New York on August 31, given that the city has been a primary hotspot for the pandemic. This situation highlights the broader challenges currently facing the professional tennis circuit.
During a conversation with Serbian state TV (RTS), Novak Djokovic revealed that the general mood among his fellow players is pessimistic, with many feeling uneasy about participating in the US Open. Rafael Nadal echoed this sentiment in a separate interview, stating that while he wouldn't compete under the current conditions, he might reconsider if the situation improves over the next few months.
Should the US Tennis Board decide to move forward, there are strong indications that the stands will remain empty of spectators. Tennis, like most global sports, came to a complete standstill in March due to the COVID-19 crisis. To date, every major tournament has been delayed at least until July. For instance, the French Open, which should have concluded by now, has been rescheduled for September, while Wimbledon was cancelled for the first time since the end of World War II in 1945.
To ensure safety, the US Open is looking into a 'safety hub' model similar to the one used by the NBA, effectively quarantining players to prevent infection. Athletes would be required to present a negative COVID-19 test before flying to the US, and the USTA plans to implement routine nasal and saliva screenings. Additionally, organizers are considering limiting the number of on-court officials and player support staff. While venues are being rigorously inspected for safety protocols, the USTA has confirmed that the tournament's scoring system will remain unchanged.