All systems go for “Cincinnati” and US Open as players descend upon New York

Players are now arriving in droves at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York as the starting date for the Western & Southern Open approaches. It will be followed, of course, by the US Open.

Ricky Dimon

August 18, 2020

It looks like the dream of Grand Slam tennis actually happening again in 2020 is going to become a reality. The US Open is just two weeks away and with the Western & Southern Open preceding it at the same venue, players have already begun to arrive at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

For many players – everyone on the ATP Tour, in fact – “Cincinnati” will mark their first official tournament since the coronavirus pandemic halted tennis and just about every other sport in mid-March. So it is no surprise that they are thrilled to be in New York and ready to resume their careers. It will be anything but normal without fans – and without a lot of top players – in attendance, but at least it’s tennis. And early indications from the BJKNTC are not only that players are happy but that they are also very satisfied with the safety measures being implemented.

“First impressions of the US Open series are really positive,” John Millman posted on Twitter. “It’s noticeable how hard the USTA has worked to create a comfortable and safe environment. I’m pumped to be back playing. Top effort from the entire USTA team.”

Several other stars on both the ATP and WTA tours as well as coaches checked in from New York via their Twitter accounts.

First practice done at @usopen with @mariasakkari ! Strange year for sure but I think our smiles tell you how happy we are to be here ! 😃 #MondayMood #tennisisback
Thank you to everyone @usta @usopen @WTA @atptour for making these events possible and safe ! pic.twitter.com/XWuq41AU4q

— Kristina Mladenovic (@KikiMladenovic) August 18, 2020

Here we are !! Day 1️⃣ at the @CincyTennis / @usopen 🎉

Amazing job from the USTA to make sure we will compete in the safest conditions 👏
Happy to be here 🙏#smilinghardbehindthemask pic.twitter.com/VkWG7UiXLl

— Alize Cornet (@alizecornet) August 18, 2020

First practice in New York ✅ pic.twitter.com/osvqH7SOlT

— Karen Khachanov (@karenkhachanov) August 17, 2020

Filip and Fernando back in doubles action, we’re ready 💪🏼 let’s gooooo idemooo @filipkrajinovic #USOpen @usopen #TeamLacoste pic.twitter.com/lToaySVBWS

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) August 17, 2020