US Open organisers push ahead with Slam plans after Wimbledon blow
Wimbledon might be off, but US Open organisers are not giving up hope of staging their own grand slam, due to get under way in August.
US Open chiefs were taking stock of Wimbledon’s cancellation on Wednesday but remained hopeful their grand slam would go ahead.
The coronavirus pandemic made it unrealistic to continue with planning for Wimbledon, which was due to begin on June 29 and run for two weeks.
However, the US Open is not due to get under way until August 24, and there is optimism that the Flushing Meadows event may still go ahead on schedule.
An update on the 2020 US Open: pic.twitter.com/RWERrYUrky
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) April 1, 2020
“The USTA is carefully monitoring the rapidly-changing environment”
Its host city, New York, is being severely affected by the COVID-19 crisis, yet United States Tennis Association (USTA) officials are not rushing to abandon their major.
In a statement, the USTA said: “We understand the unique circumstances facing the All England Lawn Tennis Club and the reasoning behind the decision to cancel the 2020 Wimbledon Championships.
“At this time the USTA still plans to host the US Open as scheduled, and we continue to hone plans to stage the tournament.
“The USTA is carefully monitoring the rapidly-changing environment surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, and is preparing for all contingencies.
“We also rely on the USTA’s medical advisory group as well as governmental and security officials to ensure that we have the broadest understanding of this fluid situation.
“In all instances, all decisions made by the USTA regarding the US Open will be made with the health and wellbeing of our players, fans, and all others involved in the tournament.”
Rafael Nadal and Bianca Andreescu are the reigning US Open singles champions.
Game, set, Rafa.
There was no stopping @rafaelnadal from winning the 2017 pic.twitter.com/cwjaSTI6N6
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) April 1, 2020
