Chris Evert - "Why should Rafael Nadal risk an injury?"
Who plays at the US Open - and who prefers to prepare for the clay court season instead? Tennis legend Chris Evert looked into her crystal ball.
by tennisnet.com
last edit: Jul 21, 2020, 10:56 am
A cancellation of the US Open would not only meet Chris Evert as a tennis fan and former winner (Evert won a total of six titles at the largest US tennis event), but also in her function as a commentator or expert for the broadcasting TV station ESPN. This, in turn, is the main reason why it is even considered that a Grand Slam tournament will be held in the world's largest tennis stadium without spectators in just under six weeks.
Without the income from the TV rights, the USTA would not make the enormous effort in terms of hygiene concept, 95 percent of the 2019 prize money could not be distributed this year. The question, however, is: who is the prospect of a juicy check attractive enough to take the trouble of a trip to New York City in times of Corona. From Chris Evert's point of view, that wouldn't make sense to a man: the defending champion.
Nadal better off in Paris?
"I don't see why Rafael Nadal should risk an injury by coming to New York. If he could train on sand at the same time, ”Evert told the ubitennis portal. Of course, this option has also been available for the Matador in recent years - but there were not three major ash highlights immediately after the US Open: 2020 will be the events in Madrid, Rome, and especially the French Open, which will be canceled in the spring of mid-September been added to the tournament calendar.
Nadal had defeated Daniil Medvedev in five sets in the US Open final last year, and with another triumph at one of the majors he would overtake Roger Federer with 20 titles. The chances are better in Paris, where a limited number of spectators will play. Rafael Nadal is also the defending champion at the Bois de Boulogne.
Djokovic chasing records
Chris Evert sees the situation differently when it comes to Novak Djokovic , who was actually the first of the top players to express his discomfort with the planned measures. “I wouldn't be so sure about Novak Djokovic. If he wants the slam record and sees that Roger Federer, Nadal and others are not there - wouldn't it be in his best interest to try to win in Flushing Meadows? ”
The Serbian industry leader holds 17 major titles after winning the final against Dominic Thiem at the Australian Open in early 2020. In New York, Djokovic eliminated Stan Wawrinka in the round of 16 in 2019.