Australian tennis star Ash Barty has become the latest top name to express caution over the prospect of heading to the US Open in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
All professional tournaments have been either suspended or cancelled until at least July 31st due to the worldwide health crises. However, officials are hoping to kick-start the Tour again in August with the United States Tennis Association eager to hold their premier event in New York. With there yet to be any formal decision from the USTA, speculation is mounting over what is going to be done to make the tournament safe. Including the possibility of holding the event behind closed doors.
Barty, who won her maiden grand slam title at the French Open last year, has cautiously welcomed talks about getting the Tour going again. Although she is not committing to heading to America until more information is known. It is unclear what the WTA’s plans are regarding their schedule, but it has been reported that the ATP will host a zoom conference with their players next Wednesday followed by coaches the week after.
“It’s exciting that tennis is being talked about again and things are moving in the right direction for us to start competing,” Barty told the Sydney Morning Herald.
“But I’d need to understand all of the information and advice from the WTA and the USTA before making a decision on the US events.”
The 24-year-old has said she needs to take into account how any upcoming plans will also affect her team. For example, if they will also be exempt from the 14-day quarantine like players. Torben Beltz, who is the coach of women’s player Donna Vekic, recently disclosed some of the approaches being considered by the WTA. Speaking to the Advantage Podcast, Beltz said the ideas include limiting players to only having one person travelling with them.
“It’s not just me, it’s my team I have to consider,” she said.
Barty’s comments come a day after reigning US Open men’s champion Rafael Nadal insisted that the Tour shouldn’t resume again until all players are able to travel. Asked if he would have gone to New York if the event was taking place right now, the 19-time grand slam champion said no.
“If we are not able to organise a tournament that is not safe enough or fair enough where every player from every part of the world needs to have the chance to play the tournament we can’t play, that’s my feeling.” Nadal told reporters on Thursday.
“My feeling is that we need to wait a little bit more. We are in a worldwide sport. For me it is not the same as football or a tournament that can be played in one country. When you mix people from all over the world the complications are completely different. I am a little bit worried about that.”
It is expected that the USTA will make a final decision regarding the US Open by the middle of this month. It is looking more likely the tournament will be going ahead in some capacity with reports suggesting the Cincinnati Open could also be moved to the same venue and take place a week prior.
