08 July 2020

Novak Djokovic ‘not sure’ whether he will play in US Open

World No 1 Novak Djokovic has hinted he may not take part in this year’s US Open.

The 17-time Grand Slam winner has won the New York-based tournament on three previous occasions, in 2011, 2015 and 2018.

Djokovic last won the US Open back in 2018 after defeating Juan Martin del Potro (ABACA/PA Images)

But with this year’s tournament set to go ahead behind closed doors despite New York’s coronavirus death toll, some tennis stars are questioning whether it is a good idea to take part in the competition.

Defending champion Rafael Nadal has already suggested he may not take part when it gets underway on August 31.

And now Djokovic is also having doubts about whether to attend.

Speaking to Serbian media, he said: "I’m not sure I’ll play in the US Open.

"I plan to play Madrid, Rome and Roland Garros in September. I fully support the USTA wish to hold tournaments in Washington, Cincinnati and the US Open because it’s very important for the survival of many tennis professionals.

"Like everyone, we are going through economic difficulties. Personally, I don’t have that kind of pressure that the others feel. And of course I understand them because the vast majority need to play now and earn money.

"I salute to the efforts being made to hold tournaments, especially in the USA and in Europe, despite this big crisis, but there is a limit to everything."

More than 400,000 people have tested positive for coronavirus in New York, with the state also recording over 32,000 fatalities.

This year’s Wimbledon was cancelled in April due to the severity of the pandemic in the UK.

And in Paris, the French Open was postponed from May and will now get underway on September 20.

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