Quarrels and Quarantines: More players forced to choose Europe over US events

     "I feel like playing the US Open, but I am worried about the quarantine", Matteo Berrettini of Italy ranked no. 8 has said over his selection on what tournaments to play and the ones with issues. Players yearn to always play a grand slam, it being 'the cream of the crop' with reputation, prize money and the field of great competition. But the Pandemic has changed the atmosphere of what and when to participate in various tournaments.

     Taking the trip to the United States and especially New York used to represent a fun time of eating at Manhattan cafes, shopping and just absorbing the diverse environment after a hard time of practice and play at the US Open. Now it is proving to be a hardship getting on the hardcourts. The ruling for most European countries is: go to the United States and return with a 2-week quarantine awaiting back in their (home) European country. This would cause players to miss the French Open, another major Slam and the Italian Open in Rome. Andy Murray, former top 5th in the world hasn't gotten competitive since November of last year due to hip problems, but did a few exhibitions as warm-ups for top events. "Hopefully before we leave, the players will have the assurances that, when they come back from America, they won't have to quarantine for two weeks", he'd said to the media. Everyone feels the same and would prefer not to make a delicate choice.

     On the WTA side of the story, No. 1 Ashleigh Barty of Australia may have had the misfortune last year of only reaching the round of 16 at the New York Slam but would rather skip the tournament and the Western and Southern event the week before. "I love both events so it was a difficult decision...there are still significant risks involved due to Covid-19...I don't feel comfortable putting my team and I in that position" she's said. The U.S. Open tournament director, Stacey Allaster replied her feelings saying "I respect every player's decision...We wish her well, and I am looking forward to seeing her return to play (next year)..."

No. 2 Rafael Nadal came to many conclusions with most involving injuries.

This season the Pandemic situation was the most difficult. "After many thoughts I have decided not to play this year's US Open. The situation is very complicated...This is a decision I never wanted to take but I have decided to follow my heart...I rather not travel," the tennis icon has said. It was well known that he'd chosen to participate at the Madrid Open instead then the French Open. But when that was cancelled he is facing another postponement till the Paris event comes with more time absent on the court.

     If it's not the quarantined conditions on a player's return, it's contracting the virus that has caused the professional tennis players to reject the New York events. The strict protocols in New York of not staying in Manhattan, frequent testing and no playing in front of fans has posed doubts on many players' minds while other tournaments have went on without issue such as the World Team Tennis which played at the Greenbrier in West Virginia, the UTS at Nice, France and the Palermo Open in Italy with several spectators in thestands and most wearing masks. Players are puzzled and a bit disgusted at having their desires to play made more difficult because of the restrictions placed on them either through their home European country to quarantine for weeks or staying within 'the bubble' when they land in the area of their chosen tournament.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2YujGB7