This archive report was first published on 15 June 2020.
The US Open tennis tournament is expected to proceed as scheduled, with the New York Times reporting on June 15, 2020, that the Grand Slam event will take place in its usual late August-September slot.
The decision comes as New York battles the coronavirus, with top players expressing doubts about participating in the tournament.
According to the Times, the tournament will be held at Flushing Meadows without fans from August 31 to September 13, after receiving support from the ATP and WTA Tours.
US Tennis Association officials are expected to announce the decision later this week, the Times reported.
Forbes magazine also reported that the Open would take place as scheduled, with a decision expected 'soon'.
However, world number one Novak Djokovic has been a vocal critic of the proposed plans, citing concerns over safety protocols and restrictions on support staff.
Under the proposed safety measures, players would be confined to a hotel outside of Manhattan and would only be allowed to bring one member of their entourage to the event.
USTA's director of player relations Eric Butorac defended the plan, stating, 'We believe this is a good plan and believe it is good for the sport. It's good for the tennis economy, creates jobs for you, for coaches, for commentators, for so many people.'
However, Djokovic expressed his misgivings, saying, 'We would not have access to Manhattan, we would have to sleep in hotels at the airport, to be tested twice or three times per week.' He also stated that it would be 'impossible' to bring only one person to the club, citing the need for a coach, fitness trainer, and physiotherapist.
