One of the biggest tournaments in the game of Tennis might just be played behind closed doors. The fate of the US Open is still uncertain as the final decision concerning the commencement of the tournament will be held in June.
As it stands, the chances of the tournament holding are highly unlikely due to the current state of affairs in the United States. The United States Tennis Association has formed a medical advisory committee to help decide whether the tournament will be safe to play.
The US Open is already scheduled to begin at Flushing Meadows on 31 August. A city with over ten thousand deaths recorded due to the coronavirus and lockdown measures have been extended to the 15th of May.
A tennis tournament of this calibre to be played behind closed doors still requires thousands of people. The US Tennis Association would still be able to honour its agreement with broadcasters but will be obliged to pray the players while missing out on vast revenue from ticket sales, merchandise, food and drink.
The USTA chief executive Mike Dowse stated that several options are being considered but the chances of the tournament holding are highly unlikely.
Speaking about the tournament being played behind closed doors, he further stated that playing without fans does not suite the prestige of the game. Fans would only be allowed if medical experts provide a solution that would be undoubtedly safe.