Barring any last-minute setback Andy Murray has committed to playing at the US Open later this year despite having some reservations over potential travel issues.
The former world No.1 says he is ‘mentally preparing’ for the event, which is taking place during a surge in COVID-19 cases across America. As of July 25th the seven-day average of daily COVID-19 cases is 66,533 in the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In the wake of the pandemic, this year’s US Open will be held behind closed doors for the first time in history will players being kept in what is essentially being described as a ‘bubble.’
Besides the pandemic, there is still uncertainty over quarantine procedures when travelling from Europe to America and back. Tennis’ governing bodies are currently in negotiations over this but it is expected that players could be exempt from such rules at present.
“Four or five weeks ago, we were pretty sceptical about it,” Three-time Grand Slam champion Murray told reporters over the weekend.
“But mentally at some stage you need to start preparing and planning for that.
“If it wasn’t happening, my schedule for practising, my rehab, would all be a bit different. Mentally I’m planning for it to go ahead.”
Murray, who has undergone two hip operations, is yet to play a Tour match in 2020 after being sidelined from action earlier this year due to pelvic bruising. Besides exhibitions, the last event he played in was the Davis Cup Finals last November.
The 33-year-old may not start his return at the US Open as he ponders entering the Cincinnati Masters, which takes place a week prior. This year’s Masters event has been relocated to New York due to the pandemic with the idea being to minimise the amount of travelling players will have to do. Murray had planned to play the Citi Open in Washington before the event was cancelled.
“I might play qualifying in the Cincinnati Masters, or I could take a wildcard. The last time I played the week before a slam I would have been 19,” he said.
“I’m not particularly keen on playing back-to-back. For a lot of the guys it’ll be five, six months [since they played], but for me it’s 10 months since I last competed properly.”
Whilst optimistic about his next tournaments, Murray admits that he is still anxious about any potential travel issue he may encounter due to the pandemic. The British Foreign Office is currently advising against all but essential international travel and the majority are unable to travel to America. However, the US government has allowed exemptions for professional athletes.
“The issue for us is the travel, so we’ll probably be a bit apprehensive getting over there,” Murray admits.
“Hopefully the US Open can go ahead, and it’s OK. But if not, I’m also OK with that. It’s not like I’m saying it must go ahead. So long as it’s safe for the players then we need to try to get back to competing when it’s safe to do so.”
Murray returns to action this week at the Battle of the Brits Team tournament in London. A mixed event that will be captained by his mother Judy Murray and former player Greg Rusedski.
