Belinda Bencic: "No ordinary person wants to travel to the USA"
In an interview with the Aargauer Zeitung , Belinda Bencic is unsure of how the US Open 2020 should take place.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit:
Jul 26, 2020, 07:49 pm
The US Open and its planned staging at the beginning of September this year are the subject of controversy in the tennis world. While many are happy to be able to stand for a Grand Slam again, the majority criticize that the USA is currently the most unsuitable venue for the resumption of the ATP and WTA tour. The fact is, according to the current state of play, it will be played in New York City from August 15th.
"It is logical that currently no normal person wants to travel to the USA. I would also prefer to stay in Europe. On the other hand, the organizer guarantees that we are safe in this bubble. We would not be outside in America, only in the hotel room and on the tennis court. I'm thinking about the conditions under which the game is played and whether it is worth it to me, " Belinda Bencic said in an interview with the Aargauer Zeitung about the plans of those responsible.
At the moment, according to the Swiss, many questions are still open. For example, what happens when a participant of the tournament is infected, whether the tournament will be canceled and whether or not they can then play the next tournament. "I will therefore decide everything at very short notice," emphasizes Bencic. The world ranking eighth sees that it is possible that some players may not even enter the country, but in this situation it is simply impossible to guarantee fairness.
"Have no pressure to play in New York"
After all, it had to go on somehow, which is why, as Bencic explains, the WTA decided to give those who had the chance to play tournaments. In order not to disadvantage at least in terms of world rankings those players who are not allowed to enter due to entry restrictions, it was decided that no points could be lost, but only gained.
For Bencic this means: "I would only gain points if I won a final or a tournament. But I can't lose anything. This means I have no pressure to play in New York. This gives you the freedom to look after your health and safety to decide ", said the Swiss.