Who’s out – What we know so far about the ATP’s August return

Roland Garros – Top stars unite as Europe’s COVID-19 prove much safer than US

On the subject of the growing COVID-19 situation across the world, it’s highly possible that the 3.48 million positive tests in the United States have turned a good amount of international ATP players away from playing in any of the three tournaments set to begin next month.

Kyrgios was one of many who are at least unsure about traveling for the events (with the Australian being at the very end of the spectrum). Although the virus conditions have greatly improved in the past month, making the trip across the world and into multiple airports might just be too big of a risk for the health of players.

Tennis is a European-dominated sport and almost none of them have gone anywhere near North America during any point of the season shutdown. While some will still make the trip, most won’t. Roland Garros will be a major much like years past if the European players stay behind the prepare for the clay swing.

As of now, the hardcourt swing will be US-dominated and could result in a surprising major champion this year. Only Stefanos Tsitsias and Daniil Medvedev have confirmed their participation in the US swing (at the Citi Open) so far. One of them could be holding their first Grand Slam Championship come September 13th.

If the young players all compete in the US swing, it’ll leave a major gap at Roland Garros. Nothing regarding the virus protocols and regulations for players in the US has been released but given the current landscape, the players might be there for longer than expected.

Whatever the case, the ATP season return is going to be an interesting one. A major championship without the Big 3 for the first time in 21 years and a possible young gun winning their first major title could both be in play this season. Buckle up.