Alexander Zverev and Dominic Thiem have indicated they are unlikely to play the US Open if the tournament places certain…
Zverev and Thiem question proposed US Open restrictions
Alexander Zverev (Photo: Frank Molter/dpa)
Alexander Zverev and Dominic Thiem have indicated they are unlikely to play the US Open if the tournament places certain restrictions on players.
Speaking at the launch of the Adria Tour over the weekend, Zverev and Thiem said the COVID-19 restrictions the US Open are looking at implementing would make players feel uncomfortable.
The US Open, which is hoping to become the first Grand Slam staged since the coronavirus outbreak in March, is expected to make a decision on the tournament over the next couple of weeks.
To go ahead, the event will need to place restrictions on players, including strict quarantine measures and small entourages.
“Everybody always wants to play a Grand Slam if it’s possible,” Zverev said. “You have to stay stay two weeks in quarantine at JFK, you’re not allowed to go basically anywhere, and you need to come in advance. Because two weeks of quarantine, you’re not going to be able to play a tournament straightaway, so you have to have another two weeks of training.
“For Cincinnati, and the US Open, it’s going to be the same thing. So we’re basically we’re counting six, seven weeks of staying at JFK airport, and the tennis stadium.”
“We will not be able to use locker rooms, no showers on site, no food on site.I don’t think a lot of people will feel comfortable.”
Thiem echoed Zverev’s sentiments, with particular emphasis on the proposed decrease in player staff.
“I agree. All these circumstances are pretty tough,” said Thiem, who is also playing the Belgrade event. “To be only able to take one person—a Grand Slam can be pretty demanding physically, and choosing whether to take your coach or physio… I think some circumstances would have to change to make sense to go there.”
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic, who launched the Adria Tour (that has stands filled with fans with little to no social distancing measures) has already indicated he doesn’t want to play the US Open under their ‘extreme’ conditions.
Other players like Nick Kyrgios have branded tennis officials as ‘selfish’ for wanting the US Open to go ahead as planned.
