The ever-increasing murkiness surrounding the 2020 US Open

As the US Open nears its start date, the waters are becoming increasingly murky. From a possible player boycott to major health protocols, nothing is close to clear in New York.

From withdrawals to a potential player boycott, there has never been a tennis event that’s ever experienced this amount of changing storylines. No more than two weeks ago, the 2020 US Open was on the verge of cancellation after one of its two tuneup events (the Citi Open) was axed due to COVID-19 concerns. As virus cases now rise in the world’s epicenter, players are beginning to take into account the bigger picture. As a result, some of the game’s best from both the ATP and WTA have decided to skip the event.

Leading the way for the ATP is World #2 and four-time US Open champion, Rafael Nadal, and 2016 winner, Stan Wawrinka. Both have expressed major concerns due to the coronavirus and have taken that into account.

The WTA has taken a larger hit; three players in the top ten, including World #1 Ashleigh Barty, have all decided to skip the hard-court circuit. 5th-ranked Elina Svitolina and #7 Kiki Bertens are the other two players who took their names out of the entry list. In addition, Simona Halep (currently the WTA’s 2nd-ranked player) has remained undecided of her participation but has, as of now, planned to skip the event.

"“I definitely have strong concerns about going there with those conditions,” she told The New York Times via an email. “Not only because we’re in the middle of a global pandemic. But also because of the risk of travel, potential quarantine, and then the changes around the tournament.”"

A possible player boycott

The pressure is rising for the US Open. Novak Djokovic has been reported to have led a player boycott with the ATP Top 20 in regards to the mandatory quarantine period they’d have to face when traveling back to Europe in order to play the French Open. All travelers coming from the United States are required to quarantine for 14 days, which for players is a major detriment to their schedules if they plan to play both major events in the next two months.

This puts all players at a risk of little preparation for Roland Garros, especially those who reach at least the quarterfinals. A two-week self-isolation from September 13th (the final day of the US Open) would have players emerging from quarantine on September 27th, which is the first day of play in Paris. This would mean that the Top 20 (of the 16 who’ll be competing) would have an absolute maximum of 5 days in order to prepare for Paris (in the event that all 16 of the top players reach the Round of 16).

The biggest concern for players is that they won’t be allowed to play in Rome due to the quarantine rules. The Masters 1000 Series begins September 20th and runs until the 27th. Factoring in the five days that most of the top players should have, they’ll finish their two-week at-home stay on the 22nd.

If Europe’s quarantine rules aren’t relaxed for those participating, the US Open could like extremely different as we move closer to the first day of play.

New US Open Health Protocols

Regardless of the external situation facing the event, the US Open has announced some of its major health protocols for competing athletes.

In order to maintain an effective environment, players will be automatically disqualified if they leave the tournament’s bubble without written approval from the tournament’s chief medical officer or Stacey Allaster (US Open tournament director) will be disqualified and fined. Any member of a player’s entourage who leaves without approval will see their tournament access revoked for the event, as well as for next year.

This guarantees that the virus won’t be able to be brought in externally once all involved have been confirmed to have negative tests. If a player contracts the virus while in the bubble, they’ll be disqualified and are then required to isolate for 10-days until multiple negative tests are confirmed.

If a member of a player’s team tests positive, they’ll have to go through a 14-day quarantine. The player will be taken out of the draw. In the event that players get disqualified for one reason or another, doubles player will serve as a singles alternate. In normal circumstances, a qualifier would step in as an alternate but since this year’s event will not be holding any qualifying rounds, doubles players will take up the role instead.

Some players have expressed their doubts about staying in the tournament hotel. In this instance, players do have the option to use private housing. They’ll have to pay for not only the house but also for the mandatory 24-hour security (official members of the tournament team) to make sure that the players and any members of their entourage stay inside the bubble while participating in the tournament. Tennis Channel estimated a two-week rental home with 24-hour security would cost upwards of $40,000 USD.

The final few rules:

1. A player’s entourage is tested every three days.

2. Maximum three people per player group at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

3. Only one person allowed with a player at the courts, locker rooms, and dining areas.

Over the next few days, the tournament will likely begin to finalize the player draws. The US Open begins August 31st and will be the first Grand Slam event in play since the Australian Open (which ended February 2nd.