This archive report was first published on 17 June 2020.
On June 16, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo gave the green light for the US Open tennis championships to take place in Queens, New York, from August 31 to September 13, without fans.
The decision was made after weeks of uncertainty surrounding the tournament, which is being held in the epicenter of the US coronavirus crisis.
According to Cuomo, the US Tennis Association will take 'extraordinary precautions' to protect players and staff during the event, including testing, additional cleaning, extra locker room space, and dedicated housing and transportation.
However, several leading players have expressed reservations about the prospect of playing a tournament in New York, citing concerns about safety measures and restrictions on the numbers of support staff allowed for each player.
World number one Novak Djokovic has been one of the most vocal critics, saying that safety measures and restrictions on the numbers of support staff allowed for each player were problematical.
“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,” Djokovic said.
“Also, we could bring one person to the club, which is really impossible. I mean, you need your coach, then a fitness trainer, then a physiotherapist.”
Defending men's singles champion Rafael Nadal has also expressed concerns, saying that tennis should not resume until it is 'completely safe' for competitors.
Australia's Nick Kyrgios reacted with disgust to the news, saying that people who live in the US are being 'selfish' by pushing for the tournament to go ahead.
However, Karolina Pliskova, the world number three and 2016 US Open finalist, said she was 'definitely flying' for the tournament, citing the importance of starting to play again.
