Petra Kvitova has become the latest top name to express concern over travelling to the US Open amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The world No.11 has told BBC Radio 5 that she knows for certain that some players will not travel to the New York major under the current circumstances. America has been hit by a spike in Coronavirus cases in recent days. According to a data tracker used by The Washington Times newspaper, the rate of daily cases exceeded 70,000 for the first time on Thursday and the total number of infections overall (since the outbreak began) is estimated to be in the region of 3.5 million.
Besides the alarming rise in cases, players are also seeking clarity regarding the quarantine rules concerning travelling between Europe and America. Due to the pandemic, the Tour has been heavily disrupted and now two Grand Slam events, the US Open and French Open, will take place within weeks of each other. Players fear that if they have to go into quarantine for 14 days after playing in America, their French Open chances will take a severe hit.
“I know a few players will definitely not go if the restrictions are like they are now,” BBC Sport quoted Kvitova as saying.
“I’m still thinking of what everything will look like, what the restrictions will be, how many people we can take and if they quarantine us.” She added.
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) has taken measures to minimise the threat posed by the virus. Including holding the event behind closed doors for the first time in history and keeping players in what is essentially being described as a ‘bubble.’ Furthermore New York, which is where the Grand Slam is held, has seen cases gradually go down in the region compared to other parts of the country.
It is the potential of playing without any fans that is the sticking point for two-time Wimbledon champion Kvitova, who describes the concept as ‘weird.’ As for the chances of her playing in Flushing Meadows, she says a decision will be made when she knows all the details.
“Playing without the fans in Grand Slams, I can’t really see it,” she said.
“If that happens and everything is OK I will go for sure to compete but there’s still a chance I will not go. I will decide when I know everything.”
Kvitova is not the only person undecided about her future plans in the sport. Simona Halep is another player who has said she was in two minds. Her manager Virginia Ruzici said during a recent interview with UbiTennis that it would be too early to come to a decision. Although she is more optimistic about the French Open.
“It’s too early to make a decision, right now she would have to quarantine for two weeks after coming back from New York, so it’s a difficult situation. I’m more optimistic with regards to the French Open,” she said.
Meanwhile, world No.1 Ash Barty is yet to commit to playing. Saying that she needs take into account her team before coming to a decision.
The US Open will get underway on August 31st.
