The most important thing about the US Open: Tennis-Bubble is setting up in New York

Monday, August 31, 2020

The most important thing about the US Open
Tennis bubble sets up in New York

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The largest tennis stadium in the world without fans, the professionals in a so-called bubble – and Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal not even there. Today the most unusual US Open in tennis history begins.

Under what conditions does the US Open take place? A few weeks ago hardly anyone would have thought it possible that they would take place at all. After all, the number of infections in the USA is still high, and New York has meanwhile been a hotspot of the pandemic. And then on the tennis facility in Flushing Meadows, which was temporarily an infirmary. But the US association USTA really wanted to hold the tournament – for financial reasons too, of course. Spectators are not allowed. Matches without fans in the largest tennis stadium in the world, the Arthur Ashe Stadium, will be an unusual sight. But under strict hygiene and safety measures, the event should start on Monday – as the second Grand Slam 2020 after the Australian Open, the Wimbledon cancellation and the postponement of the French Open to September.

How is life for the professionals during the 14-day event? For almost an hour, those responsible last informed about the extensive measures in the so-called bubble in a press conference. He sees the greatest risk in the fact that the players do not adhere to the distance rules, warned doctor Bernard Camins, an expert at the USTA. The players and their companions are isolated in hotels near the airport and on the facility and should only have closer contact with other people in this bubble. Even the players who have chosen a private house as accommodation are not allowed to receive guests who do not belong to the bubble. Cleaning staff may only enter the house if no player or supervisor is present.

What other specific requirements are there? The professionals only receive their accreditation with which they come to the system after a negative Corona test result. A second test is necessary 48 hours after the first test, then it is tested every four days. Anyone who is positive has to be quarantined and taken out of the tournament. The trips to Manhattan that are so popular with many are taboo. “You can’t go to Manhattan, but we’re bringing Manhattan to you,” said tournament director Stacey Allaster. Entertainment is still provided. There are fitness rooms, a game room, a golf simulator and much more, she said last. “The organizers did a great job. I expected it to be much worse,” said Davis Cup professional Jan-Lennard Struff. The garden area in particular is beautiful.

Who is missing from the top stars in the industry? Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer are the most prominent names that are missing. The Swiss Federer has already ended his season after a knee operation, Nadal recently announced his waiver. In addition, the French Gael Monfils is missing from the top ten of the world rankings. The picture with the women is completely different: Six of the top ten players do not compete: the world number one Ashleigh Barty (Australia), number two Simona Halep (Romania), defending champion Bianca Andreescu (Canada), Jelina Switolina (Ukraine), Kiki Bertens (Netherlands) and Belinda Bencic (Switzerland).

Which of the Germans is there? The two top performers Angelique Kerber and Alexander Zverev are competing, the German number two Julia Görges and Andrea Petkovic, however, did not fly to the USA. Zverev last appeared in the Masters tournament, which was moved from Cincinnati to New York, but lost immediately to former Wimbledon winner Andy Murray. “I think when the US Open starts everyone should be playing their best tennis and I hope that will be the case for me too,” said the 23-year-old from Hamburg. Kerber did not contest any show fights during the long Corona forced break and therefore said: “That’s why I don’t have too high expectations, but am looking forward to the challenge of finally being able to play matches again.” There are a total of five German women and five men.

Who are the favorites? In the men’s category, world number one Novak Djokovic is the absolute top favorite, not just since Nadal and Federer canceled. The Serb is aiming for his 18th Grand Slam triumph. The prognoses for women are far more difficult. Exceptional athlete Serena Williams wants to know again, but recently lost early in the preparatory tournaments since her comeback. The Czech Karolina Pliskova is number one. Naomi Osaka, who won in New York in 2018 and reached the final of the preparatory tournament that was moved from Cincinnati to New York, was in good shape.

Can further protests be expected? Osaka made headlines with their announced waiver of the semifinals at the Masters event. In protest against racism and police violence in the USA, the Japanese did not want to play. The result: all semi-finals were postponed by one day. The topic will certainly also play a role during the US Open. The vehemence with which this happens also depends on further developments in the USA.

Where can you watch the US Open? As in previous years, the US Open can be seen at Eurosport. The games begin at 11 a.m. local time (5 p.m. CEST), the so-called night session starts at 7 p.m. (1 a.m. CEST). According to its own information, the station broadcasts “over 300 hours of live tennis on the TV channels Eurosport 1 and Eurosport 2 as well as in Eurosport Player”. After the Tour de France, Eurosport 1 starts the tournament day on free TV at around 5.30 p.m. Boris Becker and Barbara Rittner are again on duty as experts. However, the Eurosport crew is not on site in New York, but broadcasts from Munich.

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