Players have been warned that they could be suspended and fined if they break protocol at this year’s US Open as part of new anti-COVID measures.
The United States Tennis Association has issued their latest guidelines to those participating in this year’s Grand Slam on Tuesday. The same day reigning champion Rafael Nadal withdrew from the event over health concerns. Under the protocols, players attending are essentially being kept in what is described as a ‘bubble’ where they will be subjected to regular testing and limited as to where they can go in New York. Upon arrival, they will undergo a PCR test and be asked to self-isolate until their result comes back, which could take up to 24 hours.
Due to the pandemic, the measures will also be applied to the Western and Southern Open which will take place at the same venue of the US Open the week prior. The relocation of the event was done to minimise players travelling across America.
“If a player leaves the Western and Southern Open and/or US Open without written permission of the Chief Medical Officer or Tournament Director, the player will be removed from competition. In that case, the player will receive the points earned from the last round completed and a financial penalty.” The USTA rule states.
Former world No.1 and US Open champion Andy Murray will be a big supporter of the measures. The Brit told reporters last week that players should face ‘serious’ consequences if they broke protocol. Saying it would be ‘silly’ to expect nobody to break the rules based on the NBA, which is operating under a similar format.
“I think the repercussions should be quite serious because you end up putting the whole tour and event at risk,” Murray said.
The punishment is even more severe for guests of players who go outside of the bubble. They will not be fined but will instead be prohibited from gaining credentials for the 2021 event, as well as being required to leave the hotel they are staying at.
There are still some unanswered questions as to what the bubble includes. The majority of players will be staying at hotels but some will be based at a private home. For those taking the private route, they will be required to have 24-hour security as part of the Private Housing Protocols policy. The USTA says they will clarify these details in the near future.
In regards to the testing procedures, there will be two different approaches based on the result of the PCR test for antibodies. After the initial test upon arrival, a second will be taken 48 hours later to confirm the result. If a player tests negative they will be tested every four days and those who are positive will be tested every seven days. If a player does not take the NCR test, their testing will be every four days.
Should a worse case scenario happen and an outbreak of cases occurs, plans have been implemented. However, the documentation acknowledges that they have ‘no guidelines’ as to what number of cases should lead to a tournament being cancelled.
“The USTA has been consulting with officials at the NYS Department of Health and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene while planning this year’s tournament. We will continue to consult with the same public health officials and determine what situation may result in cancellation of tournaments.”
The Western and Southern Open will start on August 20th and the US Open will follow on the 31st.
