New York (AFP)
The American Tennis Federation (USTA) said on Friday it was "continuing its plans to host the US Open" in New York, expressing confidence in its plans to keep players safe, despite the uncontrolled coronavirus pandemic .
"The USTA is continuing its plan to host the US Open and host both the US Open and the Cincinnati Masters 1000 at the Billie Jean King National Center" which will precede it, she said in a statement. communicated.
The Grand Slam tournament on hard is due to start on August 31 behind closed doors, just after that of Cincinnati (22-28) under the same conditions, in the bubble of Flushing Meadows.
"We remain convinced that our efforts to ensure the health and safety of all involved in the two tournaments, our top priority, remain on track," added the body.
The latter will publish details of its health and safety protocols "at a later date closer to the tournaments", developed in consultation with the WTA women's and ATP men's circuits.
The stars Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, registered for the Cincinnati tournament, have not yet confirmed their presence at the US Open, unlike Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka, in the ladies, who have committed to play there.
The Australian Ashleigh Barty, world number 1, has on the other hand given up playing it.
The New York region, which was initially the most affected by the virus in the United States, to the point that the Billie Jean King National Center served as a temporary hospital, is now much less affected.
"Together with our Medical Advisory Group and Safety Team and New York State, we have developed a robust health and safety plan to mitigate the risk of infection in the confined environment of the tournament site and players' hotels, "USTA said.
"New York State continues to be one of the safest places in the country for the Covid-19 virus," she further argued.
© 2020 AFP