Novak Djokovic says it would be 'impossible' to play US Open under 'extreme' proposed safety protocols
World number one Novak Djokovic claims it would be "impossible" to play the US Open this summer under what he deems "extreme" safety protocols currently being proposed for the grand slam tournament.
The men's ATP Tour and the women's WTA Tour are currently suspended until August 1, with Wimbledon cancelled and some tournaments coming after that date already cancelled too.
The US Open is due to begin at Flushing Meadows in New York on August 31, but there are serious doubts over the major going ahead due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
The USTA have proposed various ideas on how the tournament may happen behind-closed-doors, including having players travel to New York on charter flights from just a handful of cities. However some players have voiced concerns, with world number two Rafael Nadal saying earlier this week that he is not currently prepared to travel abroad for tournaments due to global health fears and quarantine restrictions.
Djokovic, a three-time winner of the tournament, has echoed Nadal's doubts about participation, in particular pointing to the safety restrictions imposed including a ban on travel to Manhattan and only being allowed one person with him.
"I had a telephone conversation with the leaders of world tennis, there were talks about the continuation of the season, mostly about the US Open due in late August, but it is not known whether it will be held," the Serbian told Prva TV television. "The rules that they told us that we would have to respect to be there, to play at all, they are extreme. We would not have access to Manhattan, we would have to sleep in hotels at the airport, to be tested twice or three times per week.
"Also, we could bring one person to the club which is really impossible. I mean, you need your coach, then a fitness trainer, then a physiotherapist."
The ATP and WTA will decide on the fate of the US Open on the 15 June.
