US Open: bubble or expulsion

The new york bubble, in which the combined ATP and WTA tournament of Cincinnati (August 22-28) and the US Open (August 31-September 13) aspire to be airtight. To shield themselves against the coronavirus to finish successfully. The champion Rafa Nadal will not enter it, who still sees dangerous travel. Not number one Ashleigh Barty. But ATP number one Novak Djokovic does.

The USTA (United States Federation) has updated its protocols, ignoring voices like Andy Murray's, who demand strong sanctions for anyone who endangers the health of their colleagues. Upon arrival, and before playing, everyone must undergo two tests 48 hours apart. In case of positive, the withdrawal will be automatic and the isolation of ten days.

Thus, any tennis player who sets foot in Manhattan, outside the two airport hotels and the Bille Jean King Tennis Center, will be expelled and will be fined. If you are a technician, your credential will be revoked and vetoed in 2021. Those who choose to rent a home must pay for a 24-hour private security service and will not be able to receive people from outside the bubble.

Each player can only go to New York with three members of their team, but only one will enter the playing venue. And the locker room will be limited to 30 players at a time, explains the protocol.

As for the dreaded quarantines when returning to Europe to play Rome (August 20-27) or a tournament that relocates in the week of Madrid, the USTA negotiates with governments and announced “positive progress” on the issue.