John McEnroe: "I would be surprised if the top players don't play"
John McEnroe commented on the packed schedule in August and September and found a player for whom this could be a particular challenge.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Jul 05, 2020, 12:49 pm
When the starting signal for the ATP Masters 1000 event in Cincinnati - which will move to New York City this year - is given on August 22, this is also the starting signal for what is probably the most packed seven weeks in the history of ATP Trip. From then on, there will be a major event every week, the Cincinnati Masters will be followed by the US Open, then the ATP Masters 1000 events in Madrid and Rome will fight for another 2,000 points before the French Open ends the intensive weeks at the end of September put on the crown.
While it is almost impossible - especially for the older players on the tour - to start at all of these events, the goal of some is to get involved in the two Grand Slams. "I think and that's just my feeling that the top players will both play (Note French Open and US Open). We're talking about two of the three remaining majors here, that's a big deal for the players," said John McEnroe is aware of the importance of these weeks. According to the American, even a small number of players would really be directly affected.
Nadal has two Grand Slam titles to defend
One of the players that is directly concerned is Rafael Nadal. The Mallorcan has to defend the title at both Grand Slam tournaments. According to John McEnroe, the 19-time Grand Slam champion is also one for whom the changeover could be "tricky", as the Spaniard had shown in the past that switching from hard court to sand was not one of his specialties. "It's not something he likes to do or has done very often," Ubitennis.com quoted McEnroe. With Uncle Toni, however, a long-time confidant of Nadal has already expressed himself quite negatively about the new schedule.
Another group where McEnroe has doubts about taking part in the North American swing are European players who are concerned about the new outbreaks of COVID-19: "It will be interesting to see if some European players choose not to to come to the US, "said McEnroe. A decision that the world ranking second among women, Simona Halep, has already promised.
The situation in the US is deteriorating
Nevertheless, McEnroe believes that it is entirely feasible for the players and that the organizers have managed to make it extremely safe for the few players who are let in. "It would surprise me if the top players didn't play," said McEnroe. Given the current numbers from the United States, successful tournaments in the United States have become somewhat less likely. Francis Tiafoe was also a tennis professional who tested positive for COVID-19.