Rising tennis star Alexei Popyrin has become the first player to officially confirm that he will not be playing at next month’s US Open due to health concerns.
The world No.105 made the announcement just days after he voiced fears that he may be forced to play at the Grand Slam against his will due to the ranking points at stake. However, Popryin’s concerns have since been addressed by the ATP, who has adjusted their ranking calculations. Allowing players to choose their best 18 tournaments on the ATP Tour over a 22-month period instead of 12 months.
Speaking to Tennis Majors, the 20-year-old said he felt that it would be a ‘big risk’ to play in New York given the current pandemic. America has recently seen a surge in cases in some parts of the country. A Reuters analysis of data from The COVID Tracking Project has found the number of weekly COVID-19 cases has risen five weeks in a row and there has been rises in 40 different states. New York, which is where the US Open will take place, has now said people living in 19 other states must self-quarantine for 14 days if they want to visit the city.
“I never really wanted to go to play US Open,” Popryin told Tennis Majors. “I think with the situation that’s happening in America right now, it is very hard to go and play the US Open. I think it’s a big risk for everybody to go and play.”
“From who I’ve spoken to some are afraid of the virus, some aren’t. Some think it’s just a hoax, we’ll have to wait and see how many players go.” He added.
The news of Popyrin’s decision comes as some of the Tour’s biggest names are yet to confirm their intention for the tournament. World No.1 Novak Djokovic had previously said he is looking at an option where he could focus solely on the European clay. Although he is still to make a final decision.
“I still don’t know if I will play at the US Open. Washington I’m definitely not playing, Cincinnati is planned. Participation in Roland Garros is safe for now, and Madrid and Rome are also planned,” Kurir newspaper quoted the 17-time Grand Slam champion as saying on Tuesday.
Should Djokovic play the US Open he will have the chance to increase his points tally and therefore tighten his grip on the world No.1 position. Last year he reached the fourth round before retiring during his match due to injury.
Reigning Wimbledon champion Simona Halep has said she is ‘worried’ about playing the event. The Romanian has already spoken out about her reservations when it comes to travelling to New York. Besides the COVID-19 threat, another issue facing players in the quarantine rules of various countries.
“The US is going to be difficult. It depends on the restrictions,” Halep told the BBC’s Best of Wimbledon programme. “I have not fully decided yet but I am a little bit worried to make that move. But I’m just waiting to see what is going to be decided and what actually the other players will do.”
The United States Tennis Association has made moves to try and reassure players about the US Open. The tournament will be held behind closed doors for the first time in history and players will be subjected to regular testing. It is understood that a definitive plan concerning the US Open will be made by the end of the month.
At present the Grand Slam is set to start on August 31st.
