Los Angeles (AFP)

The US Open tennis, whose outfit is threatened by the coronavirus, should nevertheless take place as planned in New York from August 31 to September 13, in camera, subject to the green light from government authorities, several media reported on Monday.

Expected Monday, the decision to maintain or not the Grand Slam tournament at the same place and dates, should not be communicated until midweek by the American Federation (USTA), says the New York Times, citing official sources under cover anonymity.

In the meantime, according to ESPN and Forbes, the USTA has seen its plan approved by the male ATP and female WTA circuits, which put their season on hold until the end of July.

The idea is to remove the singles qualifications and reduce the table of doubles from 64 pairs to 24.

In addition, the Cincinnati Masters 1000 (August 16-23) would be moved to Flushing Meadows, to link it with the US Open. This would constitute an unprecedented "double header", almost a month long, in order to concentrate players in New York without having them travel.

"We think it's a good plan for the sport and for the tennis economy," said Eric Butorac, director of player relations for the USTA, last week.

And for good reason: his body has just launched an economic plan which led to the dismissal of 110 employees. A cancellation of the US Open would inevitably worsen its situation given that out of its 485 million dollars in annual turnover, 400 were generated last year by this event alone thanks to sponsors, broadcasters and the ticket office.

- Doubts among players -

Maintaining the US Open, however, raises reservations among many players, who should mostly observe about fourteen on arrival and would all be confined to hotels near John Fitzgerald Kennedy Airport.

In addition, in the heart of the city which was most affected by the pandemic in the United States, they could only be accompanied by a member of their entourage.

"Extreme conditions", lamented last week the world number 1 Novak Djokovic, who considered it "impossible" to get there with his full staff, coach, trainer, physiotherapist.

In their wake, Dominic Thiem, Alexander Zverev, Grigor Dimitrov also expressed their reluctance to participate in the tournament.

If Roger Federer, who drew a line under 2020 after being re-operated on the right knee, stands aside from the debates, the other heavyweight of the circuit, Rafael Nadal, did not hide his reluctance either.

"If you told me to go play the US Open today, I would say no," he said in early June, adding that "we cannot resume until the situation is fully resolved." safe".

It remains to be seen now what their choice will be if the US Open is maintained. In New York, the Spaniard can win his 20th Grand Slam and thus join Federer, as for Djokovic, he can approach with a potential 18th title.

Not to mention that just behind, awaits Roland Garros (September 20-October 4). With what that would imply parameters to manage, fatigue, transatlantic flight, change of surface.

© 2020 AFP