In light of the Covid-19 outbreak, the world of tennis has been left waiting and wondering as to when the Tour will resume.
Steve Flink from The Tennis Channel speaks with Ubitennis about various topics in the sport, including when the next grand slam tournament may take place. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) has recently stated that they are hopeful to host the US Open as scheduled. However, their optimism has been disputed by many including Flink. At present the Billie Jean Tennis Center has been turned into a temporary hospital to help treat those affected by the pandemic.
“I think it is increasingly likely that the US Open will be cancelled. Everything is already cancelled up until July.” Said Flink.
“It’s hard for me to see how they (the USTA) would be comfortable to bring 23,000 people to the Arthur Ashe stadium. Plus all of those thousands walking around the ground. I don’t think they will feel it will be quite safe enough to play this year.”
If the US Open doesn’t take place, when might the tour resume? ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi told Italian reporters on Wednesday that his organisation has come up with ‘around 50’ possible scenarios about the 2020 calendar. Meanwhile, Steve Simon from the WTA has said similar plans are also underway for women’s tennis. Both organisations have said they are committed to working together throughout the process.
Weighing in on the complex and unfamiliar situation being faced, Flink believes this year’s calendar should be cancelled is no tennis played up until a certain point. Although one of the options being considered included expanding the Tour into November and December which is when the off-season would usually take place.
“I like the idea that once we reached a certain point in the calendar everybody would say ‘we are just done and we will come back stronger next year.’ I think it is a little less messy than the other way.” He commented. “On the other hand, I understand why they would consider November and December because it is an option they have to explore.”
The big guns
Due to the suspension, speculation has mounted about which member of the Big Three is suffering the most. The majority of experts are learning towards 20-time grand slam champion Roger Federer, who will turn 39 in August. Prior to the suspension of the Tour, Federer announced a brief hiatus after undergoing knee surgery.
“Out of the three considering the age difference you have to think that this hurts Federer more than the other two. Who, if we are lucky to go ahead with the majors without this kind of disruption again, will be able to get back on their feet and win again. With Nadal winning Roland Garros and Djokovic could win everywhere. But with Federer this year looked to be his last opportunity to win Wimbledon again.”
However, Scanagatta believes Serena Williams will be at an even greater disadvantage than Federer due to the suspension. The American won her first title as a mother earlier this year at the ASB Classic before crashing out in the third round of the Australian Open.
“For Serena Williams it is even worse than Federer because for her to keep up her form and condition she needs to have a perfect condition to win and play well,” he said. “While for Federer he is a more natural athlete and doesn’t need to practice as much to be fit.’
“For Serena this one-year stop is worse than it is for Federer.”
Flink and Scanagatta are both veterans of tennis journalism. Prior to this season, both have attended every Wimbledon championship for 40 consecutive years.
The full video chat between the two can be watched below. Other topics they cover includes the players next in line to take over from the Big Three, how The Tennis Channel is operating with no tournaments to broadcast and some memorable historical moments.
