Herwig Straka: "US Open want to bring their tournament through with all their might"
What's next on the international tennis tour? Herwig Straka commented on the decision-making processes of the ATP.
by Florian Goosmann
last edit: May 20, 2020, 11:33 am
Since last week it has been clear: the ATP tour is closed by the end of July , but how do you plan afterwards? Herwig Straka, member of the ATP board and manager of Dominic Thiem, actually said that they wanted to make far-reaching decisions soon, in an interview with Sky . So take the next step in early June and discuss August.
"But it is currently the case that the US Open wants to forcefully hold its tournament. And therefore want to wait as long as possible before making the decision. So we will hang on to it and only know about August in mid-June, ”said Straka. “That would have been ten weeks in advance for the outdoor tournaments. We know that's okay. "
Because apart from tennis there is not much going on in classic tennis stadiums. It would be a little more difficult in autumn, when you would play in (often occupied) halls and accordingly need longer lead times.
"Health is the most important thing"
Straka does not expect a major tour in America itself - apart from the US Open. "The health player, the audience, the entire tour - that comes first."
In addition to the US Open, Cincinnati also wanted to play. However, due to current entry and quarantine regulations, players would have to be in the United States two weeks earlier. "And if you're a realist, you have to say that a player stays in America for five or six weeks just to be able to play one or two tournaments is not so likely." Tennis is as beautiful and global as it is - in this one Trap is exactly that a disadvantage.
What about Vienna? "I am an optimist"
Various scenarios would also be considered for “his” tournament in Vienna in autumn, said Straka. Like that after which every second audience seat remains free. "A concept with a reduced number of spectators is my greatest hope at the moment," said the tournament director of the Erste Bank Open. What that means financially is not yet known. Because the audience revenue is an enormous source of income for the tournament. But, according to Straka: “We will do everything possible. There are still five months to go, I'm an optimist. "