Players question tennis in the time of Corona

Even as the Davis Cup and Fed Cup matches will be postponed to next year, the pro tour, including the US Open and French Open, are yet on schedule

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Tennis players around the world have questioned the viability of tournaments in these uncertain times. Friday recorded the highest spike in Coronavirus cases worldwide – more than 190,000, with USA alone adding more than 47,000 cases.

The European block will stop travelers from America from July 1, 2020, when the EU countries reopen, and review the situation every two weeks.

Even as the ITF announced, on Friday, that the Davis Cup and Fed Cup matches will be postponed to next year, the pro tour, including the US Open and French Open, are yet on schedule.

“It’s the inconsistencies that I find tedious,” tweeted Australian player John Millman. “Two months before the Davis Cup was meant to be playing we are playing at the same venue in Madrid for the masters. In regards to crowds there seemed to be a fair bit of social distancing at this event last year.”

Also Read: Adria Tour cancelled after Djokovic tests positive

Former player and Indian doubles legend Mahesh Bhupathi questioned why the US Open was insisting on going ahead when Covid-19 situation in the host country is alarming.

“Majority of the World can’t fly! players testing positive!” the 12-time doubles major winner Bhupathi tweeted. “US is the number 1 infected country and still growing yet no one seems concerned about the events coming up. What am I missing @rohanbopanna @SomdevD ? Surely this defies logic even if they promise to build you a bubble.”

Kirsten Flipkens, the former world no 13, asked if a player testing positive at the US Open is what it will take for the tournament organisers to cancel it.

“Is it just me or is it insane US Open is still planning to go ahead?” the Belgian WTA player tweeted. “Players testing positive on COVID19. So basicly if 1 person tests positive at the US Open , everyone  needs to quarantaine for 2 weeks right? Which means they only THEN cancel the tournament or what?”

The tennis tours have been suspended due to the pandemic since March, but are set to restart in August. But a few exhibition events have already started taking around the world, most of them with strict health protocols.

The US Open has laid out strict guidelines for the fortnight and will be played behind closed doors.

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