“You can get sick by going to the store”: Yuzhny on the impact of COVID-19 on the ATP tour, criticism of Djokovic and the US Open boycott

- After participating in a series of exhibition tournaments Adria Tour in the Balkan countries, several coronaviruses were immediately detected by several tennis players. Will this situation make the organizers of other competitions think about strengthening security measures?

- As far as I know, ATP and WTA have already developed precautionary measures, I do not think that they will be changed. It is worth remembering that this is an unofficial tournament where everything is organized at a different level, so it is hardly worth focusing on it. But in any case, what happened once again will make you think about this problem, which applies not only to tennis.

- So, do not be afraid for the resumption of the season?

- Not. It will start with tournaments organized in a completely different format. For example, they will be held in empty stands. Yes, viewers are likely to be present at Roland Garros, but as far as I know, their number will be limited. And the Adria Tour showed what could happen if tennis returned in its previous form, without taking precautions.

- If you draw a parallel with team sports, is it easier to ensure safety in tennis?

- This question cannot be answered unequivocally. Yes, we do not have direct contacts. But it is worth remembering that athletes travel around the world, tournament participants arrive from different countries and continents. This is not a regular championship in one country. But on the other hand, in tennis, everyone can be quarantined in one place, and then go to court and play at a great distance from each other. Therefore, in my understanding, this is a fairly safe sport.

- Could a case of infection in an official tournament entail a mass rejection of participants?

- In this situation, it is difficult to assume anything. We can not predict how this or that player will behave. That is why it will be difficult for both organizers and tennis players to solve such issues in advance. Have to look at the situation. So far, on August 14, according to the plan, the season should resume and the tennis authorities believe that this is possible. As for my opinion, there should not be any problems with the observance of the proposed rules. After all, if he does not resume, and we will train everyone at home, you can get sick just by going to the store.

- So you support the idea of ​​an early resumption of the season?

- I am for trying to conduct tournaments, subject to security measures. And everything else will depend on the responsibility of the players themselves and their teams. Because no matter what thoughtful security measures the organizers suggest, they will not be able to keep track of all the participants in the competition.

- The leader of the ATP tour Novak Djokovic was repeatedly criticized for organizing the Adria Tour. Should he take the risk and hold an exhibition tournament now?

- The easiest to criticize. You must first understand the situation. As far as I know, in the countries where he went, the situation with the coronavirus is different. There even football matches were held at full stadiums. I think Djokovic focused on this. There was danger in any case, but he decided to take a chance. Of course, this story will not benefit the image of the Serb, but I would not let all the dogs down on him.

- Earlier, Djokovic expressed dissatisfaction with the “overly tough” security measures proposed by the organizers of the US Open. Some felt that his words were dictated by selfish motives ...

- Yes, such an opinion exists. But it seems to me that he wanted to at least do something. Indeed, in a good way, you can just sit and wait for ideal conditions when they invent and test the vaccine, and only then resume the season. But most tennis players are not happy with this development. Therefore, the organizers of the US Open, Roland Garros, tournaments in Madrid and Rome are trying to find at least some way out of this situation. And here one can not do without criticism, including from Djokovic.

- Later, the organizers softened the medical protocol of the tournament. Is it possible to satisfy the wishes of all tennis players, or will dissatisfied remain anyway?

- This is unrealistic. Because there are a lot of players, each of them has their own interests and preferences, in addition, they are all from different countries. Therefore, condemnation is indispensable.

- In your opinion, the organizers proposed the best option?

- It's hard to say, while it is only on paper. We must see how their plan will be implemented.

- Is there any criticism regarding the abolition of the US Open qualifications?

- From the point of view of low-rated players, yes. Typically, participants in the qualifications of Grand Slam tournaments are tennis players playing in the “Challengers”. And for sure they will be held parallel to the US Open. Yes, there are much less prize money, but no one will be left without rating points. At the same time, the players of the main grid will say that it is better to play a major without qualification than not to play it at all. Therefore, you will not please everyone. It seems to me that everyone can find a way out personally for themselves.

- Many leading tennis players still express doubt about the appropriateness of holding the US Open. How will interest in the tournament affect their possible refusal to participate?

- The fans will still be interested. Let's not forget that tennis has not been around for quite some time. Therefore, the example of exhibition tournaments shows that the audience is still large. If such top tennis players as Djokovic and Rafael Nadal do not come, then representatives of the young generation will be able to compete for the title. It will also be exciting to watch.

- Is it worth condemning leaders for such an implacable position?

- No one should blame anyone in this situation, since everyone decides for himself. Some may fear for their health, and they can be understood. Therefore, any criticism is meaningless.

- Will the strict regulations create an additional psychological burden on tennis players?

- Each athlete understands what he agrees to. If you do not agree with the security measures, you can not come. After all, everyone is in the same conditions, everyone needs to measure the temperature and take tests. This situation can be compared with doping testing. WADA staff can come to you at any time.

- How hard will it be for tennis players to get in shape for Roland Garros, given that there is only two weeks between him and the US Open?

- For each it is individual. In general, I think you should just expect a more crumpled transition from hard to ground. It will be easier for someone, someone harder. At the initial stage, the level of the game will be low, but this is a process of two to three weeks. But there is nothing to be done, in the world and in sports, in particular, such a difficult situation has developed. And this is a better option than to cancel the second half of the season at all.

- Which tennis player will be able to do this faster?

- Just those who are playing exhibition tournaments now. It will be easier for them to enter the rhythm.