Novak Djokovic on rules for US Open: "They are extreme"
Novak Djokovic spoke in an interview with the Serbian television station Prva TV about the rules for a possible staging of the US Open.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Jun 07, 2020, 10:11 am
"All of their suggestions are really rigorous, but I can understand that for financial reasons, based on existing contracts, the organizers want the event to be held," Djokovic said in an interview. In the past few days, more and more measures have been announced that would be applicable if the US Open were held - and of course should make them more likely. Just yesterday, tennisnet.com reported that there was a competition without qualifications.
That is why the world number one, Novak Djokovic, contacted the responsible persons to learn more about the planned measures. "I had a phone call with those in charge of tennis, there were discussions about the continuation of the season, especially about the upcoming US Open, which is due at the end of August, but it is not known whether they will take place. The rules that they presented, which ones we have to stick to be there to be able to play at all are extreme, "said Djokovic.
"... which is really impossible"
Among other things, it would be planned to accommodate the players in hotels at the airport and to test them two to three times a week. In addition, only one coach per player would be allowed, a measure that is particularly difficult for Djokovic to comply with. "We could also bring one person to the club, which is really impossible. I mean you need your trainer, then a fitness coach, then a physiotherapist," said Ubitennis.com, the industry leader.
Another top player is expressing his concerns about hosting the US Open. A few days ago, Rafael Nadal had already stated that he could only imagine starting if "a safe and fair" tournament could be guaranteed for everyone involved. A demand that the Mallorcan considers very unlikely to be implemented, particularly due to the international nature of tennis. New York is still considered one of the COVID-19 hotspots in the world and has now over 350,000 confirmed infections. On June 15th there will be an official statement from the organizers.