World No.1 Novak Djokovic says he is ‘happy and excited’ that professional tennis will be resuming in the coming weeks without confirming if he would play in both grand slam tournaments later this year.
On Wednesday it was announced that the ATP Tour will be restarted in August ahead of the US Open later that month. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all tennis tournaments have either been suspended or cancelled since March. However, certain restrictions will be in place for the upcoming events with the US Open set to be played behind closed doors for the first time in its history.
“I’m extremely happy and excited to see that all the tournaments; especially Grand Slams, are organising their events,” Djokovic told Eurosport’s Tennis Legends podcast.
“I think that a lot of people were sceptical, especially for the US events considering what the US went through as a country during this pandemic. So a lot of people, including myself; were quite sceptical on whether it would happen or not.”
Djokovic, who started 2020 by winning 18 matches in a row on the ATP Tour, had previously voiced concerns over playing in New York. Labelling the rules as ‘extreme’ with the idea that players can only bring one member of their team to the site. However, the USTA confirmed on Wednesday that these plans have now been eased in order to accommodate bigger entourages. Players can now take three members each with them to the event, which has scrapped draws in a bid to limit the number of people. Something that has caused outcry among wheelchair tennis players.
“Obviously the regulations and measures as of today are quite strict, I must say. With quarantine and with some players; especially those from South America, not being able to travel out of their countries to come to the States. Hopefully that will change: the ATP and the USTA, everyone is working on it. The worst case scenario is that it remains like this, but there is time.” He said.
“Hopefully every single player who is participating, chosen by ranking and who deserves their place at the US Open; will have an equal opportunity to travel there and compete as everybody else. This is very, very important because this is the foundation of the ATP and the foundation of international tennis.
“We will all collectively try to make sure that this is the priority. Let’s hope that in the next two months some of those restrictions will loosen up a bit and that we will have a great, great tournament.”
Whilst remaining coy about his plans for North America, the 33-year-old has stated his intention to play at the French Open. Which is set to get underway two after the conclusion of the US Open. Djokovic last won the tournament back in 2016 and reached the semi-finals last year.
Tournament director Guy Forget has said he was confident that fans will be able to attend Roland Garros in some capacity. Although the final decision will be made by the French government. Qualifying rounds will also be played.
“It is great that we have a roof, obviously, on Philippe Chatrier this year, so those are the positive things and I look forward to it. I mean it’s one of the most important and one of the nicest tournaments in the world. I always enjoy playing there and I can’t wait to go back.” Djokovic commented.
More clarity about Djokovic’s calendar could emerge this week. He is currently in Croatia for the second leg of the Adria Tour and will be undertaking various media commitments.