Novak Djokovic will start at the US Open
Everything else would have surprised, but now it's official: Novak Djokovic will compete at the US Open 2020, as well as at the "Cincinnati" tournament in advance.
by Florian Goosmann
last edit: Aug 13, 2020, 03:09 pm
The world number one announced this on social media on Thursday afternoon.
"I am happy to confirm that I will be participating in the Western & Southern Open and the US Open this year," said the Djoker.
It was "not an easy decision" for him, with all the obstacles and challenges. "But the prospect of being able to compete again appeals to me very much." He has played many of his best matches at the US Open, "and I understand that this year will be a little different with all the protocols and precautions in place to protect the players and people in New York . "
He trained hard with his team and got his body going to face the new conditions. "I did all the check-ups to make sure that I have recovered completely and am ready to play my best tennis," Djokovic alluded to his illness from COVID-19. He contracted the corona virus as part of his Adriatic tour , as did Grigor Dimitrov, Victor Troicki and Borna Coric. Dimitrov recently played tennis again in public and talked about the aftermath of his illness.
Djokovic hopes the situation will improve soon
Djokovic also thanked everyone who had taken the time and taken on the work to organize both tournaments in New York. Of course, it is currently not possible to travel and play at the same risk as usual. He hopes the situation will soon change "and we are all back and can do what we love and what we are best at."
Djokovic was unsure about his participation in the US Open for a long time and was upset about the restriction to only one accompanying person .
According to the current status , three team members are now allowed on the facility, but only one accompanying person is allowed in certain areas.
The Western & Southern Open (the actual Cincinnati tournament) will start on August 22nd and, for safety reasons, will take place at the Flushing Meadows facility this year. The US Open will start here on August 31st.
Last year Djokovic had to give up his US Open round of 16 against Stan Wawrinka because of a shoulder injury.