World number one Novak Djokovic's path to a 2020 US Open title could include a semi-final against Stefanos Tsitsipas or Alexander Zverev under the tournament draw unveiled Thursday.

The 33-year-old Serbian star, a 17-time Grand Slam winner who has captured five of the past seven men's singles Slam crowns, begins his quest for a fourth US Open title against Bosnia and Herzegovina's 107th-ranked Damir Dzumhur.

Austrian second seed Dominic Thiem, who pushed Djokovic to five sets before falling in this year's Australian Open final, was placed on the opposite end of the bracket, setting up the possibility of a rematch in the championship match on the Flushing Meadows hardcourts.

With fellow "Big Three" players Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer absent, Djokovic has a prime chance to close the gap on his record rivals in a field of 128 that is missing several standouts.

Swiss legend Federer, who is injured, owns a record 20 men's Grand Slam titles with Spaniard Nadal, the 2019 US Open winner, next on 19.

The tournament begins Monday in a spectator-less quarantine bubble at the US National Tennis Center in New York, with COVID-19 testing and other measures designed to safeguard players from the deadly virus that forced Wimbledon to be called off.

Djokovic would meet either Britain's Kyle Edmund or Kazakhstan's Alexander Bublik in the second round with US 16th seed John Isner a potential fourth-round foe. His highest-ranked possible quarter-final opponent would be Belgian seventh seed David Goffin.

The other draw quarter in the upper half of the men's bracket has Greek fourth seed Tsitsipas and Germany's fifth-seeded Zverev as possible quarter-final opponents. Each young star is chasing a first Slam crown.

Tsitsipas plays his first match against Spain's Albert Ramos-Vinolas while Zverev launches his title bid against South African Kevin Anderson.

Thiem opens against Spain's Jaume Munar and has a possible third-round encounter with former US Open winner Marin Cilic.

Another former US Open winner, Britain's Andy Murray, is also in Thiem's quarter of the draw. The Scotsman opens against Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka with Canadian 15th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime a possible second-round opponent.

Also on the bottom half of the draw, Russian third seed Daniil Medvedev, last year's US Open runner-up, opens against Argentina's Federico Delbonis.

The highest-seeded foe in Medvedev's quarter of the draw is Italian sixth seed Matteo Berrettini, whose first opponent will be Japan's Go Soeda.

World number one Novak Djokovic's path to a 2020 US Open title could include a semi-final against Stefanos Tsitsipas or Alexander Zverev under the tournament draw unveiled Thursday.

World number one Novak Djokovic's path to a 2020 US Open title could include a semi-final against Stefanos Tsitsipas or Alexander Zverev under the tournament draw unveiled Thursday. The 33-year-old Serbian star, a 17-time Grand Slam winner who has captured five of the past seven men's singles Slam crowns, begins his quest for a fourth US Open title against Bosnia and Herzegovina's 107th-ranked Damir Dzumhur. Austrian second seed Dominic Thiem, who pushed Djokovic to five sets before falling in this year's Australian Open final, was placed on the opposite end of the bracket, setting up the possibility of a rematch in the championship match on the Flushing Meadows hardcourts. With fellow "Big Three" players Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer absent, Djokovic has a prime chance to close the gap on his record rivals in a field of 128 that is missing several standouts. Swiss legend Federer, who is injured, owns a record 20 men's Grand Slam titles with Spaniard Nadal, the 2019 US Open winner, next on 19. The tournament begins Monday in a spectator-less quarantine bubble at the US National Tennis Center in New York, with COVID-19 testing and other measures designed to safeguard players from the deadly virus that forced Wimbledon to be called off. Djokovic would meet either Britain's Kyle Edmund or Kazakhstan's Alexander Bublik in the second round with US 16th seed John Isner a potential fourth-round foe. His highest-ranked possible quarter-final opponent would be Belgian seventh seed David Goffin. The other draw quarter in the upper half of the men's bracket has Greek fourth seed Tsitsipas and Germany's fifth-seeded Zverev as possible quarter-final opponents. Each young star is chasing a first Slam crown. Tsitsipas plays his first match against Spain's Albert Ramos-Vinolas while Zverev launches his title bid against South African Kevin Anderson. Thiem opens against Spain's Jaume Munar and has a possible third-round encounter with former US Open winner Marin Cilic. Another former US Open winner, Britain's Andy Murray, is also in Thiem's quarter of the draw. The Scotsman opens against Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka with Canadian 15th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime a possible second-round opponent. Also on the bottom half of the draw, Russian third seed Daniil Medvedev, last year's US Open runner-up, opens against Argentina's Federico Delbonis. The highest-seeded foe in Medvedev's quarter of the draw is Italian sixth seed Matteo Berrettini, whose first opponent will be Japan's Go Soeda.

Djokovic could face Zverev in semis, Thiem in US Open final

Japan's Naomi Osaka reversed her decision to withdraw from the WTA Western &amp; Southern Open semi-finals on Thursday, saying she will now play the match that has been rearranged for Friday.

The two-time Grand Slam champion said in a statement on Wednesday that she had pulled out of her last-four clash with Belgium's Elise Mertens in protest at the police shooting of black man Jacob Blake in Wisconsin.

However, after WTA and ATP chiefs announced a suspension of play at the tournament following anger over Blake's shooting, Osaka said she has now changed her mind.&nbsp;

"As you know, I pulled out of the tournament yesterday in support of racial injustice and continued police violence," Osaka said in a statement first reported by Britain's The Guardian and The New York Times.

"I was (and am) ready and prepared to concede the match to my opponent.

"However, after my announcement and lengthy consultation with the WTA and USTA, I have agreed at their request to play on Friday.

"They offered to postpone all matches until Friday and in my mind that brings more attention to the movement.&nbsp;

"I want to thank the WTA and the tournament for their support."

In her statement on Wednesday, Osaka had said she was not ready to play tennis following the Blake shooting.

"Before I am an athlete, I am a black woman. And as a black woman I feel as though there are much more important matters at hand that need immediate attention, rather than watching me play tennis," Osaka said.

"I don't expect anything drastic to happen with me not playing, but if I can get a conversation started in a majority white sport I consider that a step in the right direction."

Her move camed after the Milwaukee Bucks boycotted their NBA playoff game over the shooting, forcing the league to halt Wednesday's schedule of postseason fixtures.

Japan's Naomi Osaka reversed her decision to withdraw from the WTA Western & Southern Open semi-finals on Thursday, saying she will now play the match that has been rearranged for Friday.

Japan's Naomi Osaka reversed her decision to withdraw from the WTA Western & Southern Open semi-finals on Thursday, saying she will now play the match that has been rearranged for Friday. The two-time Grand Slam champion said in a statement on Wednesday that she had pulled out of her last-four clash with Belgium's Elise Mertens in protest at the police shooting of black man Jacob Blake in Wisconsin. However, after WTA and ATP chiefs announced a suspension of play at the tournament following anger over Blake's shooting, Osaka said she has now changed her mind. "As you know, I pulled out of the tournament yesterday in support of racial injustice and continued police violence," Osaka said in a statement first reported by Britain's The Guardian and The New York Times. "I was (and am) ready and prepared to concede the match to my opponent. "However, after my announcement and lengthy consultation with the WTA and USTA, I have agreed at their request to play on Friday. "They offered to postpone all matches until Friday and in my mind that brings more attention to the movement. "I want to thank the WTA and the tournament for their support." In her statement on Wednesday, Osaka had said she was not ready to play tennis following the Blake shooting. "Before I am an athlete, I am a black woman. And as a black woman I feel as though there are much more important matters at hand that need immediate attention, rather than watching me play tennis," Osaka said. "I don't expect anything drastic to happen with me not playing, but if I can get a conversation started in a majority white sport I consider that a step in the right direction." Her move camed after the Milwaukee Bucks boycotted their NBA playoff game over the shooting, forcing the league to halt Wednesday's schedule of postseason fixtures.

Osaka reverses course, will play WTA semi-final

Injury-plagued Juan Martin del Potro on Wednesday underwent a third surgery on the right knee he broke at the 2018 Shanghai Masters and found immediate sympathy from world number one Novak Djokovic.

The 31-year-old Argentine giant has now had seven major operations in a career which promised so much when he swept to his first and only Grand Slam title at the 2009 US Open.

"In recent months, Delpo followed his doctors' advice and even tested the knee on a tennis court in Buenos Aires, but the pain persisted," said a spokesman.

"After their first meeting in Bern, Switzerland, (his surgeon) recommended a new surgery."

Del Potro, a former world number three but now down at 132 in the rankings, hasn't played since Queen's Club on the eve of Wimbledon in 2019.

As well as three knee operations, he had surgery on his right wrist in 2010 and three procedures on his left wrist in March 2014, January 2015 and June 2015.

Djokovic, whose 20-match rivalry with Del Potro stretches back 13 years, said he hoped to see the Argentine, a winner of 22 career titles, make a full recovery.

"I love and I support him and I send him my best wishes," said Djokovic after making the semi-finals of the Western and Southern Open in New York.

"He's probably one of the most unfortunate tennis players I have known with injuries. The quality of tennis that he possesses, it's really unfortunate to see him struggle so much.

"His fighting spirit and resilience to come back is something that's very inspiring. He's a gentle giant, a very likeable guy. I hope to see him soon."

Injury-plagued Juan Martin del Potro on Wednesday underwent a third surgery on the right knee he broke at the 2018 Shanghai Masters and found immediate sympathy from world number one Novak Djokovic.

Injury-plagued Juan Martin del Potro on Wednesday underwent a third surgery on the right knee he broke at the 2018 Shanghai Masters and found immediate sympathy from world number one Novak Djokovic. The 31-year-old Argentine giant has now had seven major operations in a career which promised so much when he swept to his first and only Grand Slam title at the 2009 US Open. "In recent months, Delpo followed his doctors' advice and even tested the knee on a tennis court in Buenos Aires, but the pain persisted," said a spokesman. "After their first meeting in Bern, Switzerland, (his surgeon) recommended a new surgery." Del Potro, a former world number three but now down at 132 in the rankings, hasn't played since Queen's Club on the eve of Wimbledon in 2019. As well as three knee operations, he had surgery on his right wrist in 2010 and three procedures on his left wrist in March 2014, January 2015 and June 2015. Djokovic, whose 20-match rivalry with Del Potro stretches back 13 years, said he hoped to see the Argentine, a winner of 22 career titles, make a full recovery. "I love and I support him and I send him my best wishes," said Djokovic after making the semi-finals of the Western and Southern Open in New York. "He's probably one of the most unfortunate tennis players I have known with injuries. The quality of tennis that he possesses, it's really unfortunate to see him struggle so much. "His fighting spirit and resilience to come back is something that's very inspiring. He's a gentle giant, a very likeable guy. I hope to see him soon."

Djokovic 'love' for Del Potro after third knee surgery, seventh career operation

An out-of-gas Serena Williams crashed out of the Western &amp; Southern Open on Tuesday, losing in three sets to 13th seeded Maria Sakkari 5-7, 7-6 (7/5), 6-1 in New York.&nbsp;

The 23-time Grand Slam winner finished with a whimper at the end of the two-hour, 17-minute match as Sakkari clinched the victory with a backhand down the line that a dejected Williams just watched without making an effort to move.

At other points in the match, Williams flung her racket into the spectator-less stands and rebuked the chair umpire for slapping her with a time violation.

Sakkari, of Greece, advances to the quarter-finals of the no-spectator event where she will face Johanna Konta who cruised past Vera Zvonareva in straight sets 6-4, 6-2.

The joint WTA and ATP tournament was moved from Cincinnati to New York where the same quarantine bubble will house the US Open starting on August 31.

It was the second straight two-hour-plus match for Williams who at 38 was trying to become the oldest winner of the event. She still holds the record, having won this event in 2015 at age 33.

Williams survived a scare in her opening match, prevailing in a two hour, 48-minute marathon over qualifier Arantxa Rus. It was her longest match since 2012.

"It is hard to play the way I have been playing and stay positive," Williams said. "To play nine hours in a week is too much. I don't usually play like that. It is all new for me."

Williams made seven double faults and won just 66 percent of her first serve points against Sakkari.&nbsp;

After losing the second set in a tiebreaker she tossed her racket over her shoulder into the empty stands behind her.

Williams, who has lost her cool at events in New York before, also admonished chair umpire, Aurelie Tourte of France, during a changeover for calling a time violation for slow play.

"I am walking all the way to get my towels... I mean, I am getting my own towels. That's not fair," said Williams.

"You didn't give me a warning. I am actually a really fast player. Next time you warn me. I'm done."

The ball people usually get the towels for the players but not in the COVID-19 bubble.

On the men's side, world No. 1 Novak Djokovic won his 20th straight match of 2020 with a hard-fought 6-2, 6-4 victory over Tennys Sandgren.

Djokovic, who captured the Australian Open in February, needed six match points to tough out the straight sets victory and reach the quarter-finals of the hardcourt tournament.

Djokovic breezed through the final game by winning four straight points, closing it out with a cross-court forehand winner to take it in 88 minutes on Tuesday.

"All in all it was a great performance," said Djokovic. "I felt better and played better than last night. I am going in a great direction."

American Sandgren, who is ranked 55th in the world, made the Serb work for the victory as he survived five match points in the ninth game of the second set.

Djokovic advances to the quarters where he will play German Jan-Lennard Struff, who defeated seventh seed David Goffin 6-4, 3-6, 6-4.

Djokovic had pulled out of doubles on Sunday with pain in his neck, but did not appear to be bothered by the injury against Sandgren.

"The neck is doing well," he said.

Also on the men's side, hard-serving Canadian Milos Raonic routed Brit Andy Murray 6-2, 6-2 and third seeded Daniil Medvedev, of Russia, swept past Aljaz Bedene 6-3, 6-3.

In other women's action, fourth seeded Naomi Osaka rolled over Dayana Yastremska in straight sets 6-3, 6-1 to advance.

Osaka, who is the only top 10 player left in the women's draw, clinched the victory when Yastremska was called for a foot fault while serving on match point.

Japan's Osaka blasted eight aces, won 83 percent of her first serve points and broke Yastremska's serve four times.

Osaka moves to the quarter-finals where she will face Anett Kontaveit, who defeated Marie Bouzkova 6-3, 6-3.

Yastremska, who at 20 was the youngest player left in the field, made six double faults and won just 38 percent of her second serves.

An out-of-gas Serena Williams crashed out of the Western & Southern Open on Tuesday, losing in three sets to 13th seeded Maria Sakkari 5-7, 7-6 (7/5), 6-1 in New York.

An out-of-gas Serena Williams crashed out of the Western & Southern Open on Tuesday, losing in three sets to 13th seeded Maria Sakkari 5-7, 7-6 (7/5), 6-1 in New York. The 23-time Grand Slam winner finished with a whimper at the end of the two-hour, 17-minute match as Sakkari clinched the victory with a backhand down the line that a dejected Williams just watched without making an effort to move. At other points in the match, Williams flung her racket into the spectator-less stands and rebuked the chair umpire for slapping her with a time violation. Sakkari, of Greece, advances to the quarter-finals of the no-spectator event where she will face Johanna Konta who cruised past Vera Zvonareva in straight sets 6-4, 6-2. The joint WTA and ATP tournament was moved from Cincinnati to New York where the same quarantine bubble will house the US Open starting on August 31. It was the second straight two-hour-plus match for Williams who at 38 was trying to become the oldest winner of the event. She still holds the record, having won this event in 2015 at age 33. Williams survived a scare in her opening match, prevailing in a two hour, 48-minute marathon over qualifier Arantxa Rus. It was her longest match since 2012. "It is hard to play the way I have been playing and stay positive," Williams said. "To play nine hours in a week is too much. I don't usually play like that. It is all new for me." Williams made seven double faults and won just 66 percent of her first serve points against Sakkari. After losing the second set in a tiebreaker she tossed her racket over her shoulder into the empty stands behind her. Williams, who has lost her cool at events in New York before, also admonished chair umpire, Aurelie Tourte of France, during a changeover for calling a time violation for slow play. "I am walking all the way to get my towels... I mean, I am getting my own towels. That's not fair," said Williams. "You didn't give me a warning. I am actually a really fast player. Next time you warn me. I'm done." The ball people usually get the towels for the players but not in the COVID-19 bubble. On the men's side, world No. 1 Novak Djokovic won his 20th straight match of 2020 with a hard-fought 6-2, 6-4 victory over Tennys Sandgren. Djokovic, who captured the Australian Open in February, needed six match points to tough out the straight sets victory and reach the quarter-finals of the hardcourt tournament. Djokovic breezed through the final game by winning four straight points, closing it out with a cross-court forehand winner to take it in 88 minutes on Tuesday. "All in all it was a great performance," said Djokovic. "I felt better and played better than last night. I am going in a great direction." American Sandgren, who is ranked 55th in the world, made the Serb work for the victory as he survived five match points in the ninth game of the second set. Djokovic advances to the quarters where he will play German Jan-Lennard Struff, who defeated seventh seed David Goffin 6-4, 3-6, 6-4. Djokovic had pulled out of doubles on Sunday with pain in his neck, but did not appear to be bothered by the injury against Sandgren. "The neck is doing well," he said. Also on the men's side, hard-serving Canadian Milos Raonic routed Brit Andy Murray 6-2, 6-2 and third seeded Daniil Medvedev, of Russia, swept past Aljaz Bedene 6-3, 6-3. In other women's action, fourth seeded Naomi Osaka rolled over Dayana Yastremska in straight sets 6-3, 6-1 to advance. Osaka, who is the only top 10 player left in the women's draw, clinched the victory when Yastremska was called for a foot fault while serving on match point. Japan's Osaka blasted eight aces, won 83 percent of her first serve points and broke Yastremska's serve four times. Osaka moves to the quarter-finals where she will face Anett Kontaveit, who defeated Marie Bouzkova 6-3, 6-3. Yastremska, who at 20 was the youngest player left in the field, made six double faults and won just 38 percent of her second serves.

Flustered Williams crashes out, Djokovic reaches quarter-finals

Fourth-seeded Naomi Osaka of Japan battled back to beat Karolina Muchova 6-7 (5/7), 6-4, 6-2 on Monday and reach the third round of the Western &amp; Southern Open.

Osaka, ranked 10th in the world, was playing her first match since the WTA resumed after a coronavirus hiatus.

The tournament was moved this year from Cincinnati to the National Tennis Center in New York to allow players to enter the same quarantine bubble that will be in effect for the US Open starting on August 31.

Osaka will face another tough challenge in the third round against 16th-seeded Ukrainian Dayana Yastremska, who beat American Bernarda Pera 7-6 (7/5), 4-6, 6-3 on Monday after downing seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams in the first round.

Fourth-seeded Naomi Osaka of Japan battled back to beat Karolina Muchova 6-7 (5/7), 6-4, 6-2 on Monday and reach the third round of the Western & Southern Open. Osaka, ranked 10th in the world, was playing her first match since the WTA resumed after a coronavirus hiatus.

Fourth-seeded Naomi Osaka of Japan battled back to beat Karolina Muchova 6-7 (5/7), 6-4, 6-2 on Monday and reach the third round of the Western & Southern Open. Osaka, ranked 10th in the world, was playing her first match since the WTA resumed after a coronavirus hiatus. The tournament was moved this year from Cincinnati to the National Tennis Center in New York to allow players to enter the same quarantine bubble that will be in effect for the US Open starting on August 31. Osaka will face another tough challenge in the third round against 16th-seeded Ukrainian Dayana Yastremska, who beat American Bernarda Pera 7-6 (7/5), 4-6, 6-3 on Monday after downing seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams in the first round.

Osaka rallies to reach third round of 'Cincy in New York'

World number one Novak Djokovic shook off neck pain to beat Ricardas Berankis 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 on Monday to reach the third round of the Western &amp; Southern Open.

The Serb star had pulled out of doubles on Sunday with pain in his neck, and he had treatment during the match for a problem that seemed to bother him when he looked up at his service toss.

Twice down a break in the second set he was able to immediately break back both times, and he let out a roar when he broke Lithuania's Berankis for a 5-4 lead before calmly serving out the match.

In the round of 16 on Tuesday, Djokovic will face American Tennys Sandgren, a 6-7 (4/7), 6-2, 7-6 (7/5) winner over 15th-seeded Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime in this tournament moved from Cincinnati to New York and the same quarantine bubble that will house the US Open starting on August 31.

World number one Novak Djokovic shook off neck pain to beat Ricardas Berankis 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 on Monday to reach the third round of the Western & Southern Open. The Serb star had pulled out of doubles on Sunday with pain in his neck, and he had treatment during the match for a problem that seemed to bother him when he looked up at his service toss.

World number one Novak Djokovic shook off neck pain to beat Ricardas Berankis 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 on Monday to reach the third round of the Western & Southern Open. The Serb star had pulled out of doubles on Sunday with pain in his neck, and he had treatment during the match for a problem that seemed to bother him when he looked up at his service toss. Twice down a break in the second set he was able to immediately break back both times, and he let out a roar when he broke Lithuania's Berankis for a 5-4 lead before calmly serving out the match. In the round of 16 on Tuesday, Djokovic will face American Tennys Sandgren, a 6-7 (4/7), 6-2, 7-6 (7/5) winner over 15th-seeded Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime in this tournament moved from Cincinnati to New York and the same quarantine bubble that will house the US Open starting on August 31.

Djokovic shrugs off injury to win NY opener

Former Japanese world number four Kei Nishikori has revealed that he has tested positive for COVID-19 for the second time which casts doubts over his participation in the impending US Open 2020. Nishikori earlier withdrew from the Western &amp; Southern Open warm-up after his first positive coronavirus test last week.

In his latest update, Nishikori said he has very minimal symptoms of the virus and is under complete isolation in Florida. &nbsp;

“Just a little update, I just took another COVID test and am still positive. I have very minimal symptoms and am staying in full isolation in Florida,” Nishikori posted on social media.&nbsp;

“The next test will be early next week at which time we will update you with more information.”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-pulls-out-of-doubles-event-in-new-york-citing-neck-pain-322716" hreflang="en">Novak Djokovic pulls out of doubles event in New York citing neck pain</a>

Nishokori, who has been staying at the IMG Academy in Florida, has been a Grand Slam success at the US Open, reaching the semi-finals in 2016 and 2018 while finishing runners-up to Marin Cilic in the 2014 final.

Many top players including the likes of Rafael Nadal, Bianca Andreescu, Nick Kyrgios, women’s world number one Ash Barty, have pulled out of the US Open citing health concerns surrounding the novel coronavirus, which has infected over 5.6 million while killing over 175,000 people in the United States. Whereas Roger Federer will not participate as he is recovering from the knee surgery that took place earlier in 2020.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/djokovic-comes-to-new-york-chasing-federers-slam-mark-322105" hreflang="en">Djokovic comes to New York chasing Federer's Slam mark</a>

However, the likes of Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams. Andy Murray are among the participants in the US Open 2020, which is set to commence from August 31 at the Flushing Meadows in New York.

Former Japanese world number four Kei Nishikori has revealed that he has tested positive for COVID-19 for the second time which casts doubts over his participation in the impending US Open 2020.

Former Japanese world number four Kei Nishikori has revealed that he has tested positive for COVID-19 for the second time which casts doubts over his participation in the impending US Open 2020. Nishikori earlier withdrew from the Western & Southern Open warm-up after his first positive coronavirus test last week. In his latest update, Nishikori said he has very minimal symptoms of the virus and is under complete isolation in Florida. “Just a little update, I just took another COVID test and am still positive. I have very minimal symptoms and am staying in full isolation in Florida,” Nishikori posted on social media. “The next test will be early next week at which time we will update you with more information.” ALSO READ: Novak Djokovic pulls out of doubles event in New York citing neck pain Nishokori, who has been staying at the IMG Academy in Florida, has been a Grand Slam success at the US Open, reaching the semi-finals in 2016 and 2018 while finishing runners-up to Marin Cilic in the 2014 final. Many top players including the likes of Rafael Nadal, Bianca Andreescu, Nick Kyrgios, women’s world number one Ash Barty, have pulled out of the US Open citing health concerns surrounding the novel coronavirus, which has infected over 5.6 million while killing over 175,000 people in the United States. Whereas Roger Federer will not participate as he is recovering from the knee surgery that took place earlier in 2020. ALSO READ: Djokovic comes to New York chasing Federer's Slam mark However, the likes of Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams. Andy Murray are among the participants in the US Open 2020, which is set to commence from August 31 at the Flushing Meadows in New York.

Kei Nishikori again tests positive for COVID-19, likely to miss US Open 2020

World number one Novak Djokovic on Sunday withdrew from doubles event at the Western &amp; Southern Open in New York, citing neck pain. The Serbian ace was scheduled to open singles play on Monday versus qualifier Ricardis Berankis of Lithuania after first-round bye.&nbsp;

Djokovic had entered the doubles event with compatriot Filip KRajinovic but pulled out before the scheduled opener on Sunday against Tommy Paul and Frances Tiafoe of the United States.

Notably, the Western &amp; Southern Open is usually played in Cincinnati but this year, it is being held in Ney York inside a quarantine bubble at the US Tennis Association’s Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, where the US Open 2020 will commence on August 31.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/djokovic-comes-to-new-york-chasing-federers-slam-mark-322105" hreflang="en">Djokovic comes to New York chasing Federer's Slam mark</a>

Djokovic won the title in Cincinnati in 2018 and went on to become the only player to win all nine of the ATP’s elite Masters 1000 tournaments. In 2019, he reached the semi-finals in Cincinnati.

The 33-year-old has won five of last seven men’s singles Grand Slam title and now sits three shy of Roger Federer’s record 20 with 17 Grand Slams to his name. However, Djokovic will be seen participating in the US Open 2020 and heads into the event as the hot favourite to lift the title.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-if-i-had-the-chance-to-organise-adria-tour-again-i-would-do-it-321982" hreflang="en">Novak Djokovic: If I had the chance to organise Adria Tour again, I would do it</a>

Many big names, including the likes of Rafael Nadal, Bianca Andreescu, Nick Kyrgios, Ash Barty among others have already pulled out of US Open 2020 citing health concerns amid COVID-19 pandemic. Whereas Roger Federer misses the tournament as he is still recovering from the knee surgery earlier in the year.&nbsp;

World number one Novak Djokovic on Sunday withdrew from doubles event at the Western & Southern Open in New York, citing neck pain. The Serbian ace was scheduled to open singles play on Monday versus qualifier Ricardis Berankis of Lithuania after first-round bye.

World number one Novak Djokovic on Sunday withdrew from doubles event at the Western & Southern Open in New York, citing neck pain. The Serbian ace was scheduled to open singles play on Monday versus qualifier Ricardis Berankis of Lithuania after first-round bye. Djokovic had entered the doubles event with compatriot Filip KRajinovic but pulled out before the scheduled opener on Sunday against Tommy Paul and Frances Tiafoe of the United States. Notably, the Western & Southern Open is usually played in Cincinnati but this year, it is being held in Ney York inside a quarantine bubble at the US Tennis Association’s Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, where the US Open 2020 will commence on August 31. ALSO READ: Djokovic comes to New York chasing Federer's Slam mark Djokovic won the title in Cincinnati in 2018 and went on to become the only player to win all nine of the ATP’s elite Masters 1000 tournaments. In 2019, he reached the semi-finals in Cincinnati. The 33-year-old has won five of last seven men’s singles Grand Slam title and now sits three shy of Roger Federer’s record 20 with 17 Grand Slams to his name. However, Djokovic will be seen participating in the US Open 2020 and heads into the event as the hot favourite to lift the title. ALSO READ: Novak Djokovic: If I had the chance to organise Adria Tour again, I would do it Many big names, including the likes of Rafael Nadal, Bianca Andreescu, Nick Kyrgios, Ash Barty among others have already pulled out of US Open 2020 citing health concerns amid COVID-19 pandemic. Whereas Roger Federer misses the tournament as he is still recovering from the knee surgery earlier in the year.

Novak Djokovic pulls out of doubles event in New York citing neck pain

World number one Novak Djokovic&nbsp;says he nearly skipped the US Open but plans to play the Grand Slam event despite COVID-19 concerns in part to chase tennis history.

Djokovic, a 17-time Grand Slam singles champion, told the New York Times that trying to catch Roger Federer's men's record 20 Slam crowns was "of course" a major factor in his decision to play the Flushing Meadows fortnight that begins August 31.

"One of the reasons why I keep on playing professional tennis on this level is because I want to reach more heights in the tennis world," Djokovic told the newspaper.

The 33-year-old Serbian has won five of the past seven men's singles Slam crowns but came to the New York hardcourts only after assurances from European officials that players returning from the US Open would not face a long quarantine before upcoming European events such as the French Open.

"I was very close to not coming," said Djokovic, who made the final decision less than a week before arriving. "There were a lot of uncertainties."

Djokovic is staying at a rental house in New York while most players are in a hotel as part of protocols to combat the COVID-19 pandemic that wiped out many of the year's events, including Wimbledon, and will prevent fans from attending the US Open.

"I want to play. I mean, that's why I'm here," Djokovic told the Times.&nbsp;

"I am personally not afraid of being in a risky, dangerous health situation for myself. If I felt that way, I most likely would not be here."

Federer, 39, is injured and Spain's Rafal Nadal, 34, is absent, the 2019 US Open champion and 19-time Grand Slam singles winner focusing on the upcoming clay season and a potential 13th crown on the Paris red clay.

Djokovic, who has topped the world rankings for 282 weeks, could overtake Federer's record of 310 weeks at number one by March and told the Times that is a major goal as well.

Having Djokovic chase a fourth US Open crown adds some prestige to an Slam that lacks many of the sport's biggest stars.

"I cannot say it's the main reason why I'm here, but it's one of the reasons," Djokovic said. "First of all, I have to think about myself and my health and my fitness and whether my team is OK to be here.

"Then I, of course, also felt responsible as a top player to be here. It's important for our sport to keep going."

<h2>- Djokovic defends Adria Tour -</h2>

Djokovic defended his decision to stage the Adria Tour charity series in June in Serbia and Croatia, which produced a cluster of coronavirus cases, including some among top players, with Djokovic positive and isolating, saying he only had mild symptoms.

"We tried to do something with the right intentions," Djokovic said. "Yes, there were some steps that could have been done differently. But am I going to be then forever blamed for doing a mistake?

"If I had the chance to do the Adria Tour again I would do it again."

Djokovic worries about putting anything into his body, including potentially a COVID-19 vaccine.

"If someone is forcing me to put something in my body, that I don't want, for me that's unacceptable," Djokovic told the Times.

"I am not against vaccination of any kind, because who am I to speak about vaccines when there are people that have been in the field of medicine and saving lives around the world?"

World number one Novak Djokovic says he nearly skipped the US Open but plans to play the Grand Slam event despite COVID-19 concerns in part to chase tennis history.

World number one Novak Djokovic says he nearly skipped the US Open but plans to play the Grand Slam event despite COVID-19 concerns in part to chase tennis history. Djokovic, a 17-time Grand Slam singles champion, told the New York Times that trying to catch Roger Federer's men's record 20 Slam crowns was "of course" a major factor in his decision to play the Flushing Meadows fortnight that begins August 31. "One of the reasons why I keep on playing professional tennis on this level is because I want to reach more heights in the tennis world," Djokovic told the newspaper. The 33-year-old Serbian has won five of the past seven men's singles Slam crowns but came to the New York hardcourts only after assurances from European officials that players returning from the US Open would not face a long quarantine before upcoming European events such as the French Open. "I was very close to not coming," said Djokovic, who made the final decision less than a week before arriving. "There were a lot of uncertainties." Djokovic is staying at a rental house in New York while most players are in a hotel as part of protocols to combat the COVID-19 pandemic that wiped out many of the year's events, including Wimbledon, and will prevent fans from attending the US Open. "I want to play. I mean, that's why I'm here," Djokovic told the Times. "I am personally not afraid of being in a risky, dangerous health situation for myself. If I felt that way, I most likely would not be here." Federer, 39, is injured and Spain's Rafal Nadal, 34, is absent, the 2019 US Open champion and 19-time Grand Slam singles winner focusing on the upcoming clay season and a potential 13th crown on the Paris red clay. Djokovic, who has topped the world rankings for 282 weeks, could overtake Federer's record of 310 weeks at number one by March and told the Times that is a major goal as well. Having Djokovic chase a fourth US Open crown adds some prestige to an Slam that lacks many of the sport's biggest stars. "I cannot say it's the main reason why I'm here, but it's one of the reasons," Djokovic said. "First of all, I have to think about myself and my health and my fitness and whether my team is OK to be here. "Then I, of course, also felt responsible as a top player to be here. It's important for our sport to keep going." - Djokovic defends Adria Tour - Djokovic defended his decision to stage the Adria Tour charity series in June in Serbia and Croatia, which produced a cluster of coronavirus cases, including some among top players, with Djokovic positive and isolating, saying he only had mild symptoms. "We tried to do something with the right intentions," Djokovic said. "Yes, there were some steps that could have been done differently. But am I going to be then forever blamed for doing a mistake? "If I had the chance to do the Adria Tour again I would do it again." Djokovic worries about putting anything into his body, including potentially a COVID-19 vaccine. "If someone is forcing me to put something in my body, that I don't want, for me that's unacceptable," Djokovic told the Times. "I am not against vaccination of any kind, because who am I to speak about vaccines when there are people that have been in the field of medicine and saving lives around the world?"

Djokovic comes to New York chasing Federer's Slam mark

World number one tennis player Novak Djokovic said that he would organise the ill-fated Adria Tour again provided an opportunity. The Serbian ace was central to widespread criticism when four players including himself tested positive for the COVID-19 after the exhibition event.&nbsp;

Djokovic and his brother had organized the Adria Tour in Serbia and Croatia amid the COVID-19 pandemic but faced backlash given the lack of social-distancing norms and other precautions.

The Serb was further hammered on social media after images and videos of participants partying after the event went viral on social media as Djokovic, Viktor Troicki, Grigor Dimitrov and Borna Coric all tested positive for the dreaded virus.&nbsp;

“We tried to do something with the right intentions. Yes, there were some steps that could have been done differently, of course, but am I going to be then forever blamed for doing a mistake? I mean, OK, if this is the way, fine, I’ll accept it, because that’s the only thing I can do.

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"Whether it’s fair or not, you tell me, but I know that the intentions were right and correct, and if I had the chance to do the Adria Tour again, I would do it again,” Djokovic told the New York Times.

Djokovic, who is currently in New York for the impending US Open 2020, has avoided staying with other tennis players after confirming his participation in the Grand Slam tournament last week. Djokovic will even participate in the Western &amp; Southern Open at Flushing Meadows between August 22-28 followed by the US Open from August 31.

Djokovic, who recovered from COVID-19, further said he has done some additional tests before arriving in New York.&nbsp;

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“I’ve done a CT scan of my chest, and OK, everything is clear. I’ve done several tests since my negative test for the coronavirus as well before coming to New York.

"I’ve done my blood tests, my urine tests, my stool tests, everything that I possibly can. I’m obviously doing that prevention anyway but of course now more than ever because we don’t really know what we’re dealing with.

“I think this is a huge transformational phase for all of us on this planet, and I think maybe even the last wake-up call," Djokovic said. 
&nbsp;

World number one tennis player Novak Djokovic said that he would organise the ill-fated Adria Tour again provided an opportunity. The Serbian ace was central to widespread criticism when four players including himself tested positive for the COVID-19 after the exhibition event.

World number one tennis player Novak Djokovic said that he would organise the ill-fated Adria Tour again provided an opportunity. The Serbian ace was central to widespread criticism when four players including himself tested positive for the COVID-19 after the exhibition event. Djokovic and his brother had organized the Adria Tour in Serbia and Croatia amid the COVID-19 pandemic but faced backlash given the lack of social-distancing norms and other precautions. The Serb was further hammered on social media after images and videos of participants partying after the event went viral on social media as Djokovic, Viktor Troicki, Grigor Dimitrov and Borna Coric all tested positive for the dreaded virus. “We tried to do something with the right intentions. Yes, there were some steps that could have been done differently, of course, but am I going to be then forever blamed for doing a mistake? I mean, OK, if this is the way, fine, I’ll accept it, because that’s the only thing I can do. ALSO READ: Premier League 2020-21 fixtures: When do the 'Big Six' lock horns? "Whether it’s fair or not, you tell me, but I know that the intentions were right and correct, and if I had the chance to do the Adria Tour again, I would do it again,” Djokovic told the New York Times. Djokovic, who is currently in New York for the impending US Open 2020, has avoided staying with other tennis players after confirming his participation in the Grand Slam tournament last week. Djokovic will even participate in the Western & Southern Open at Flushing Meadows between August 22-28 followed by the US Open from August 31. Djokovic, who recovered from COVID-19, further said he has done some additional tests before arriving in New York. ALSO READ: England, Pakistan agree to revised start times for series finale “I’ve done a CT scan of my chest, and OK, everything is clear. I’ve done several tests since my negative test for the coronavirus as well before coming to New York. "I’ve done my blood tests, my urine tests, my stool tests, everything that I possibly can. I’m obviously doing that prevention anyway but of course now more than ever because we don’t really know what we’re dealing with. “I think this is a huge transformational phase for all of us on this planet, and I think maybe even the last wake-up call," Djokovic said.

Novak Djokovic: If I had the chance to organise Adria Tour again, I would do it

Wimbledon champion Simona Halep on Monday confirmed that she will skip the much-awaited US Open 2020 as she said that she is putting her health first and prefers to stay in Europe amid the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

The world no. 2 joins the growing list of top players to pull out of US Open citing health concerns as she joins the likes of Ashleigh Barty, Rafael Nadal, Bianca Andreescu, Nick Kyrgios among others.&nbsp;

“After weighing up all the factors involved and with the exceptional circumstances in which we are living, I have decided that I will not travel to New York to play the (at)usopen,” Halep wrote on Twitter.&nbsp;

“I always said I would put my health at the heart of my decision and I therefore prefer to stay and train in Europe.”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/defending-champion-bianca-andreescu-latest-star-to-pull-out-of-us-open-2020-320532" hreflang="en">Defending champion Bianca Andreescu latest star to pull out of US Open 2020</a>

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and I therefore prefer to stay and train in Europe. I know the <a href="https://twitter.com/usta?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@usta</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WTA</a> have worked tirelessly to put on a safe event and I wish everyone there a successful tournament 🙏
— Simona Halep (@Simona_Halep) <a href="https://twitter.com/Simona_Halep/status/1295329751054376962?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Six of the top eight women in the WTA rankings won’t be seen participating in New York – a huge blow for the Grand Slam tournament. Other women players who won’t play are Elina Svitolina, Kiki Bertens and Belinda Bencic.

“I know the (at)usta and (at)WTA have worked tirelessly to put on a safe event and I wish everyone there a successful tournament,” Halep wrote.

The U.S. Open is scheduled to start at Flushing Meadows on Aug. 31.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sister-act-serena-beats-venus-to-reach-lexington-quarter-final-320415" hreflang="en">Sister Act: Serena beats Venus to reach Lexington quarter-final</a>

Nadal has also pulled out of the tournament with Roger Federer unavailable due to knee injury whereas Novak Djokovic has confirmed his availability for the US Open. Stan Wawrinka, the 2016 US Open champion has also pulled out along with Gael Monfils.

Wimbledon champion Simona Halep on Monday confirmed that she will skip the much-awaited US Open 2020 as she said that she is putting her health first and prefers to stay in Europe amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wimbledon champion Simona Halep on Monday confirmed that she will skip the much-awaited US Open 2020 as she said that she is putting her health first and prefers to stay in Europe amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The world no. 2 joins the growing list of top players to pull out of US Open citing health concerns as she joins the likes of Ashleigh Barty, Rafael Nadal, Bianca Andreescu, Nick Kyrgios among others. “After weighing up all the factors involved and with the exceptional circumstances in which we are living, I have decided that I will not travel to New York to play the (at)usopen,” Halep wrote on Twitter. “I always said I would put my health at the heart of my decision and I therefore prefer to stay and train in Europe.” ALSO READ: Defending champion Bianca Andreescu latest star to pull out of US Open 2020 2/2 and I therefore prefer to stay and train in Europe. I know the @usta and @WTA have worked tirelessly to put on a safe event and I wish everyone there a successful tournament 🙏 — Simona Halep (@Simona_Halep) August 17, 2020 × Six of the top eight women in the WTA rankings won’t be seen participating in New York – a huge blow for the Grand Slam tournament. Other women players who won’t play are Elina Svitolina, Kiki Bertens and Belinda Bencic. “I know the (at)usta and (at)WTA have worked tirelessly to put on a safe event and I wish everyone there a successful tournament,” Halep wrote. The U.S. Open is scheduled to start at Flushing Meadows on Aug. 31. ALSO READ: Sister Act: Serena beats Venus to reach Lexington quarter-final Nadal has also pulled out of the tournament with Roger Federer unavailable due to knee injury whereas Novak Djokovic has confirmed his availability for the US Open. Stan Wawrinka, the 2016 US Open champion has also pulled out along with Gael Monfils.

Simona Halep pulls out of US Open 2020, says 'would put my health at the heart of my decision'

Serena Williams survived another scare to beat older sister Venus 3-6 6-3 6-4 on Thursday in the latest instalment of their reluctant on-court sibling rivalry to reach the quarter-finals of the inaugural Top Seed Open in Lexington, Kentucky.

Serena, who in her first-round match of the spectator-free tournament was five points from defeat against world number 60 Bernarda Pera, had to rally back from a set down and 4-2 final set deficit to prevail in a thrilling battle.

With the win, Serena improved to 19-12 in career head-to-head meetings with Venus.

“It was a very high quality match,” said Serena. “There was a lot of long points, running me around and then at one point it was just big serves and so I thought that was really interesting as we both started serving really well and returning well.”

Top-seeded Serena was locked in early in the final set as she earned a quick break to go ahead 2-1 before Venus grabbed momentum by taking the next three games and moving closer to her first victory over her sister since 2018 at Indian Wells.

But Serena found her way back and eventually used a fierce backhand winner to get to 5-4 before going on to serve out the match on her first match point.

Serena made a fast start to the match and had break point chances for a 3-0 double break lead but Venus stormed back with a five-game win streak and then closed out the opening set with a powerful serve.

In the second set Serena broke Venus with an inside-out backhand winner to pull ahead 4-2 and then closed out the frame with ease to force the decider.

Serena will face either Canadian qualifier Leylah Fernandez or American wildcard Shelby Rogers in next round.

The suspension of tennis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic meant that until this week, Serena had not competed on the tour since February. As a result, the American said rather than focussing on winning the Top Seed Open, she wants to make sure she gets into top form for the Aug. 31-Sept. 13 U.S. Open.

“I’m just here to play another match just to get match tough for New York,” said Serena, who has failed to add to her haul of 23 Grand Slam tiles since January 2017.

“I’ve done absolutely nothing but train and practice and so I am really low on the matches and so this is really helping.”

Serena Williams survived another scare to beat older sister Venus 3-6 6-3 6-4 on Thursday in the latest instalment of their reluctant on-court sibling rivalry to reach the quarter-finals of the inaugural Top Seed Open in Lexington, Kentucky.

Serena Williams survived another scare to beat older sister Venus 3-6 6-3 6-4 on Thursday in the latest instalment of their reluctant on-court sibling rivalry to reach the quarter-finals of the inaugural Top Seed Open in Lexington, Kentucky. Serena, who in her first-round match of the spectator-free tournament was five points from defeat against world number 60 Bernarda Pera, had to rally back from a set down and 4-2 final set deficit to prevail in a thrilling battle. With the win, Serena improved to 19-12 in career head-to-head meetings with Venus. “It was a very high quality match,” said Serena. “There was a lot of long points, running me around and then at one point it was just big serves and so I thought that was really interesting as we both started serving really well and returning well.” Top-seeded Serena was locked in early in the final set as she earned a quick break to go ahead 2-1 before Venus grabbed momentum by taking the next three games and moving closer to her first victory over her sister since 2018 at Indian Wells. But Serena found her way back and eventually used a fierce backhand winner to get to 5-4 before going on to serve out the match on her first match point. Serena made a fast start to the match and had break point chances for a 3-0 double break lead but Venus stormed back with a five-game win streak and then closed out the opening set with a powerful serve. In the second set Serena broke Venus with an inside-out backhand winner to pull ahead 4-2 and then closed out the frame with ease to force the decider. Serena will face either Canadian qualifier Leylah Fernandez or American wildcard Shelby Rogers in next round. The suspension of tennis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic meant that until this week, Serena had not competed on the tour since February. As a result, the American said rather than focussing on winning the Top Seed Open, she wants to make sure she gets into top form for the Aug. 31-Sept. 13 U.S. Open. “I’m just here to play another match just to get match tough for New York,” said Serena, who has failed to add to her haul of 23 Grand Slam tiles since January 2017. “I’ve done absolutely nothing but train and practice and so I am really low on the matches and so this is really helping.”

Sister Act: Serena beats Venus to reach Lexington quarter-final

US Open 2020 will be missing both the singles champions from 2019 edition after Bianca Andreescu on Thursday pulled out of the Grand Slam tournament, joining Rafael Nadal on the sidelines. Andreescu, like Nadal, cited COVID-19 pandemic as their primary reason for withdrawing from the showpiece event.

Andreescu, who hasn’t participated in any tour since October due to injury, said COVID-19 pandemic restricted her to properly train for the competition. The women’s tour has restarted after COVID-19-forced break of nearly six months while men’s tour is set to resume in a week.

"After many discussions with those closest to me, I have made the difficult decision not to return to New York this year," Andreescu said in a statement posted on Twitter on Thursday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sister-act-serena-beats-venus-to-reach-lexington-quarter-final-320415" hreflang="en">Sister Act: Serena beats Venus to reach Lexington quarter-final</a>

"I have taken this step in order to focus on my match fitness and ensure that I return ready to play at my highest level.

"The US Open victory last year has been the high point of my career thus far and I will miss not being there," she continued. "However, I realise that the unforeseen challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, have compromised my ability to prepare and compete to the degree necessary to play at my highest level.

"I want to express my appreciation to the USTA and the WTA for all of their efforts in making the event happen. I look forward to joining my competitors back on court soon," the world No. 6 concluded.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-confirms-participation-in-us-open-2020-and-western-southern-open-320250" hreflang="en">Novak Djokovic confirms participation in US Open 2020 and Western &amp; Southern Open</a>

The US Open is scheduled to be held behind closed doors from August 31 to September 13 at the Flushing Meadows. However, due to rising cases of coronavirus in the country, tennis stars have been pulling out of the Grand Slam with the like of Nadal, Ashleigh Barty and Nick Kyrgios among others to have opted out of the tournament. The others are Elina Svitolina and Kiki Bertens.

Novak Djokovic on Thursday confirmed his participation in the US Open, which means one of the Big Three will be there in the iconic tournament. Roger Federer will be missing the tournament as he is recovering from a knee surgery.&nbsp;

Andreescu's slot in the women's event will be taken by Olga Govortsova.

US Open 2020 will be missing both the singles champions from 2019 edition after Bianca Andreescu on Thursday pulled out of the Grand Slam tournament, joining Rafael Nadal on the sidelines.

US Open 2020 will be missing both the singles champions from 2019 edition after Bianca Andreescu on Thursday pulled out of the Grand Slam tournament, joining Rafael Nadal on the sidelines. Andreescu, like Nadal, cited COVID-19 pandemic as their primary reason for withdrawing from the showpiece event. Andreescu, who hasn’t participated in any tour since October due to injury, said COVID-19 pandemic restricted her to properly train for the competition. The women’s tour has restarted after COVID-19-forced break of nearly six months while men’s tour is set to resume in a week. "After many discussions with those closest to me, I have made the difficult decision not to return to New York this year," Andreescu said in a statement posted on Twitter on Thursday. ALSO READ: Sister Act: Serena beats Venus to reach Lexington quarter-final "I have taken this step in order to focus on my match fitness and ensure that I return ready to play at my highest level. "The US Open victory last year has been the high point of my career thus far and I will miss not being there," she continued. "However, I realise that the unforeseen challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, have compromised my ability to prepare and compete to the degree necessary to play at my highest level. "I want to express my appreciation to the USTA and the WTA for all of their efforts in making the event happen. I look forward to joining my competitors back on court soon," the world No. 6 concluded. ALSO READ: Novak Djokovic confirms participation in US Open 2020 and Western & Southern Open The US Open is scheduled to be held behind closed doors from August 31 to September 13 at the Flushing Meadows. However, due to rising cases of coronavirus in the country, tennis stars have been pulling out of the Grand Slam with the like of Nadal, Ashleigh Barty and Nick Kyrgios among others to have opted out of the tournament. The others are Elina Svitolina and Kiki Bertens. Novak Djokovic on Thursday confirmed his participation in the US Open, which means one of the Big Three will be there in the iconic tournament. Roger Federer will be missing the tournament as he is recovering from a knee surgery. Andreescu's slot in the women's event will be taken by Olga Govortsova.

Defending champion Bianca Andreescu latest star to pull out of US Open 2020

World no. one tennis star Novak Djokovic on Thursday confirmed his participation in the Western and Southern Open along with US Open 2020 in New York later in August as the Serbian ace released an official statement on his social media handles.&nbsp;

The US Open 2020 has already been hit with withdrawals of some of the biggest names in the world of tennis. While WTA World no. one Ashleigh Barty has already confirmed that she won’t be participating in the Grand Slam this time, Nick Kyrgios and defending champions Rafael Nadal have also pulled out of the tournament citing health concerns surrounding COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

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I’m happy to confirm that I‘ll participate at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CincyTennis?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CincyTennis</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USOpen</a> this year. It was not an easy decision to make with all the obstacles and challenges on many sides, but the prospect of competing again makes me really excited 😃💪🏼 <a href="https://t.co/qgxSTHrKK4">https://t.co/qgxSTHrKK4</a> <a href="https://t.co/tg6rgwfFqm">pic.twitter.com/tg6rgwfFqm</a>
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) <a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole/status/1293876989514915840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, Djokovic had expressed his concerns about participating in US Open 2020 but finally made up his mind to play the Grand Slam in New York.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lexington-open-calm-serena-williams-makes-winning-return-319931" hreflang="en">Lexington Open: 'Calm' Serena Williams makes winning return</a>

Djokovic was heavily criticized for organising the ill-fated Adria Tour after which several top players including Djokovic himself tested positive for COVID-19. The Adria Tour didn’t follow any social distancing guidelines while fans were also allowed to attend the event. However, after the fiasco, the Serb posted an heartfelt apology for organising the event.

The Western &amp; Southern Open will be played at Flushing Meadows from August 22-28 while the US Open begins on August 31. Both tournaments will be played without fans.

<h2>Here is the full statement from Novak Djokovic:</h2>

I am happy to confirm that I will participate at the Western &amp; Southern Open and US Open this year. 
It was not an easy decision to make with all the obstacles and challenges on many sides, but the prospect of competing again makes me really excited.

During my career, I have played some of my best matches at the USTA Billie Jean King National tennis center.

I am aware that this time around it will be very different with all the protocols and safety measures that are put in place to protect players and people of NY.

Nevertheless, I have trained hard with my team and got my body in shape so I am ready to adapt to new conditions. I've done all the check-ups to make sure I am fully recovered and I am ready to get back on court fully committed to playing my best tennis.

I respect and appreciate everyone taking time, effort, and energy to organize these two events for the tennis players to be able to go back to their working field.

Unfortunately for the players and the game itself, the current situation is not allowing everyone to travel and compete at the same level of risk, and I hope the situation will change soon and we will all be back to doing what we love and do best. 
&nbsp;

World no. one tennis star Novak Djokovic on Thursday confirmed his participation in the Western and Southern Open along with US Open 2020 in New York later in August as the Serbian ace released an official statement on his social media handles.

World no. one tennis star Novak Djokovic on Thursday confirmed his participation in the Western and Southern Open along with US Open 2020 in New York later in August as the Serbian ace released an official statement on his social media handles. The US Open 2020 has already been hit with withdrawals of some of the biggest names in the world of tennis. While WTA World no. one Ashleigh Barty has already confirmed that she won’t be participating in the Grand Slam this time, Nick Kyrgios and defending champions Rafael Nadal have also pulled out of the tournament citing health concerns surrounding COVID-19 pandemic. I’m happy to confirm that I‘ll participate at #CincyTennis and #USOpen this year. It was not an easy decision to make with all the obstacles and challenges on many sides, but the prospect of competing again makes me really excited 😃💪🏼 https://t.co/qgxSTHrKK4 pic.twitter.com/tg6rgwfFqm — Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) August 13, 2020 × Earlier, Djokovic had expressed his concerns about participating in US Open 2020 but finally made up his mind to play the Grand Slam in New York. ALSO READ: Lexington Open: 'Calm' Serena Williams makes winning return Djokovic was heavily criticized for organising the ill-fated Adria Tour after which several top players including Djokovic himself tested positive for COVID-19. The Adria Tour didn’t follow any social distancing guidelines while fans were also allowed to attend the event. However, after the fiasco, the Serb posted an heartfelt apology for organising the event. The Western & Southern Open will be played at Flushing Meadows from August 22-28 while the US Open begins on August 31. Both tournaments will be played without fans. Here is the full statement from Novak Djokovic: I am happy to confirm that I will participate at the Western & Southern Open and US Open this year. It was not an easy decision to make with all the obstacles and challenges on many sides, but the prospect of competing again makes me really excited. During my career, I have played some of my best matches at the USTA Billie Jean King National tennis center. I am aware that this time around it will be very different with all the protocols and safety measures that are put in place to protect players and people of NY. Nevertheless, I have trained hard with my team and got my body in shape so I am ready to adapt to new conditions. I've done all the check-ups to make sure I am fully recovered and I am ready to get back on court fully committed to playing my best tennis. I respect and appreciate everyone taking time, effort, and energy to organize these two events for the tennis players to be able to go back to their working field. Unfortunately for the players and the game itself, the current situation is not allowing everyone to travel and compete at the same level of risk, and I hope the situation will change soon and we will all be back to doing what we love and do best.

Novak Djokovic confirms participation in US Open 2020 and Western & Southern Open

The Australian Open 2021 could be moved to later date in the year due to COVID-19 pandemic, however, the tournament director Craig Tiley has said that the tournament organisers are confident of hosting the Grand Slam with complete prize money and fans in the stands in its scheduled time in January.

Melbourne is in between a full lockdown following another spike in coronavirus cases but Tiley and his team have been planning strategies to make sure the 2021 edition of Australian Open goes ahead without any fuss.

While ticket sales are set to commence in October, five ‘bio-secure bubbles’ will be opened across the country six weeks before the tournament starts in a bid to allow players coming to Australia to avoid stringent quarantine protocols.&nbsp;

“We’re going to open our bio bubble from the first of December and players can come at any time,” Tennis Australia’s (TA) chief executive told Reuters.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lexington-open-calm-serena-williams-makes-winning-return-319931" hreflang="en">Lexington Open: 'Calm' Serena Williams makes winning return</a>

“When the players arrive, our expectation is they’re not going to be in a hotel for 14 days like the current requirements are. We’ll have an exemption within this bio-secure bubble.

“We’ve said every year that we’re the ‘happy slam’. But now we’re saying we’re the ‘very safe and happy slam.’”

Tennis Australia’s crisis management team, which was set up to combat the difficulties in conducting 2020 Australia Open following the bushfire smoke, has come up with a business and operational plan for each of the scenarios related to 2021 edition of the Grand Slam.&nbsp;

The first scenario was the event being held in much the same way as 2020, while the second was a tournament with limited crowds, said Tiley.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-champion-svetlana-kuznetsova-latest-to-withdraw-from-us-open-319679" hreflang="en">Former champion Svetlana Kuznetsova latest to withdraw from U.S. Open</a>

“Scenario three was behind closed doors, a broadcast-only event. Scenario four was moving to another time of the year,” he added.

“And scenario five is no event at all.”

Tiley sounded confident of being able to allow around 400,000 fans to Melbourne Park in 2021 – which is around half the number that attended 2020 Australian Open. Effective physical distancing and wearing of masks will be made mandatory.&nbsp;

“We’ve established a strategy and an operational plan for all our fans and how they will be positioned around the site,” he said.

The tournament director further said that organisers had employed ‘global experts’ to set up bio-secure bubbles and testing facilities in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne, which will also help the players to get used to the climate and train for the Grand Slam.

Australian Open has been held in Melbourne since 1972 and is the primary source of revenue for Tennis Australia. The last edition had a direct economic impact of A$387 million ($277 million) on Melbourne, Tiley said.

TA expects turnover and revenue from the next edition to decrease by a double-digit percentage but they would not be reducing the A$71 million prize purse.

“I’m optimistic and positive that we’ll have an event and it’ll be in Melbourne,” said Tiley, adding that TA had cash reserves of A$80 million to lean on in the event the tournament had to be cancelled.

“It will have some crowds and it’ll be the beginning of kind of getting back to the way we were.”

(With Reuters inputs) 
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The Australian Open 2021 could be moved to later date in the year due to COVID-19 pandemic, however, the tournament director Craig Tiley has said that the tournament organisers are confident of hosting the Grand Slam with complete prize money and fans in the stands in its scheduled time in January.

The Australian Open 2021 could be moved to later date in the year due to COVID-19 pandemic, however, the tournament director Craig Tiley has said that the tournament organisers are confident of hosting the Grand Slam with complete prize money and fans in the stands in its scheduled time in January. Melbourne is in between a full lockdown following another spike in coronavirus cases but Tiley and his team have been planning strategies to make sure the 2021 edition of Australian Open goes ahead without any fuss. While ticket sales are set to commence in October, five ‘bio-secure bubbles’ will be opened across the country six weeks before the tournament starts in a bid to allow players coming to Australia to avoid stringent quarantine protocols. “We’re going to open our bio bubble from the first of December and players can come at any time,” Tennis Australia’s (TA) chief executive told Reuters. ALSO READ: Lexington Open: 'Calm' Serena Williams makes winning return “When the players arrive, our expectation is they’re not going to be in a hotel for 14 days like the current requirements are. We’ll have an exemption within this bio-secure bubble. “We’ve said every year that we’re the ‘happy slam’. But now we’re saying we’re the ‘very safe and happy slam.’” Tennis Australia’s crisis management team, which was set up to combat the difficulties in conducting 2020 Australia Open following the bushfire smoke, has come up with a business and operational plan for each of the scenarios related to 2021 edition of the Grand Slam. The first scenario was the event being held in much the same way as 2020, while the second was a tournament with limited crowds, said Tiley. ALSO READ: Former champion Svetlana Kuznetsova latest to withdraw from U.S. Open “Scenario three was behind closed doors, a broadcast-only event. Scenario four was moving to another time of the year,” he added. “And scenario five is no event at all.” Tiley sounded confident of being able to allow around 400,000 fans to Melbourne Park in 2021 – which is around half the number that attended 2020 Australian Open. Effective physical distancing and wearing of masks will be made mandatory. “We’ve established a strategy and an operational plan for all our fans and how they will be positioned around the site,” he said. The tournament director further said that organisers had employed ‘global experts’ to set up bio-secure bubbles and testing facilities in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne, which will also help the players to get used to the climate and train for the Grand Slam. Australian Open has been held in Melbourne since 1972 and is the primary source of revenue for Tennis Australia. The last edition had a direct economic impact of A$387 million ($277 million) on Melbourne, Tiley said. TA expects turnover and revenue from the next edition to decrease by a double-digit percentage but they would not be reducing the A$71 million prize purse. “I’m optimistic and positive that we’ll have an event and it’ll be in Melbourne,” said Tiley, adding that TA had cash reserves of A$80 million to lean on in the event the tournament had to be cancelled. “It will have some crowds and it’ll be the beginning of kind of getting back to the way we were.” (With Reuters inputs)

Australian Open 2021 organisers eye five 'bubbles', 400,000 fans and full prize money

Serena Williams on Tuesday returned to the tennis court after a six-month COVID-19 break to make a winning return by defeating Bernarda Pera in straight sets at the WTA Top Seed tournament in Kentucky.

WTA Top Seed Open, which is being played behind closed doors, witnessed the return of legendary Serena, who had not played a competitive game since the Fed Cup appearance in February. She came from behind to defeat American world no. 60 Pera 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 in two hours and 15 minutes at the Top Seed Tennis Club in Lexington.

Serena, after winning the match, revealed that the empty surroundings had suited her game while adding she didn’t mind it at all.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-champion-svetlana-kuznetsova-latest-to-withdraw-from-us-open-319679" hreflang="en">Former champion Svetlana Kuznetsova latest to withdraw from U.S. Open</a>

"It was a really calm atmosphere, it was really chill," Williams said.&nbsp;

"I can't say I disliked it. I didn't mind it at all. I've been through so many things in my career and this was totally different. I think I won today because I was calm for once in my career.&nbsp;

"Kind of reminds me of junior days. Something nostalgic about that. I kind of enjoyed it."

The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion was on the verge of an early exit in the second set, but came back strong after going 0-40 down at 4-4 before winning the set.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/slim-to-none-nick-kyrgios-unlikely-for-french-open-2020-318565" hreflang="en">'Slim to none' - Nick Kyrgios unlikely for French Open 2020</a>

"I just knew I could do better," Williams said. "It was an interesting game. I just had to get used to her game a little bit. She played really well."

Serena will next play the winner of sister Venus Williams vs Victoria Azarenka, who lock horns later on Tuesday.&nbsp;

This week’s WTA tournament is the first tennis event to be staged in the United States since the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown the sport earlier this year. 
&nbsp;

Serena Williams on Tuesday returned to the tennis court after a six-month COVID-19 break to make a winning return by defeating Bernarda Pera in straight sets at the WTA Top Seed tournament in Kentucky.

Serena Williams on Tuesday returned to the tennis court after a six-month COVID-19 break to make a winning return by defeating Bernarda Pera in straight sets at the WTA Top Seed tournament in Kentucky. WTA Top Seed Open, which is being played behind closed doors, witnessed the return of legendary Serena, who had not played a competitive game since the Fed Cup appearance in February. She came from behind to defeat American world no. 60 Pera 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 in two hours and 15 minutes at the Top Seed Tennis Club in Lexington. Serena, after winning the match, revealed that the empty surroundings had suited her game while adding she didn’t mind it at all. ALSO READ: Former champion Svetlana Kuznetsova latest to withdraw from U.S. Open "It was a really calm atmosphere, it was really chill," Williams said. "I can't say I disliked it. I didn't mind it at all. I've been through so many things in my career and this was totally different. I think I won today because I was calm for once in my career. "Kind of reminds me of junior days. Something nostalgic about that. I kind of enjoyed it." The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion was on the verge of an early exit in the second set, but came back strong after going 0-40 down at 4-4 before winning the set. ALSO READ: 'Slim to none' - Nick Kyrgios unlikely for French Open 2020 "I just knew I could do better," Williams said. "It was an interesting game. I just had to get used to her game a little bit. She played really well." Serena will next play the winner of sister Venus Williams vs Victoria Azarenka, who lock horns later on Tuesday. This week’s WTA tournament is the first tennis event to be staged in the United States since the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown the sport earlier this year.

Lexington Open: 'Calm' Serena Williams makes winning return

Former US Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova on Monday became the latest tennis star to withdrew from this year’s tournament citing concerns over COVID-19 pandemic.

The 35-year-old Russian, who bagged the first of her two career Grand Slam titles at Flushing Meadows in 2004, joins the growing list of players from Europe opting to skip the showpiece event.&nbsp;

"Due to the unfavourable situation due to coronavirus...I made the difficult decision for myself to refuse to participate," Kuznetsova said in a post on her Instagram page.

Currently, world number 32, Kuznetsova will further miss the ATP/WTA Western and Southern Open which is being played in New York this year after being shifted from Cincinnati.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-number-seven-bertens-withdraws-from-us-open-318893" hreflang="en">World number seven Bertens withdraws from U.S. Open</a>

"I'm sorry as I've been waiting for these tournaments, but the pandemic changed all plans," Kuznetsova said.

"I hope that the situation in the world will become more stable by the next competition."

Furthermore, in a separate announcement on Monday, the US Tennis Association confirmed that the Czech Republic’s Barbora Strycova has also opted out of the US Open along with China’s Wanx Xiyi. As a result, US’s Ann Li and Australia’s Priscilla Hon have been given a ticket to the main draw.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/slim-to-none-nick-kyrgios-unlikely-for-french-open-2020-318565" hreflang="en">'Slim to none' - Nick Kyrgios unlikely for French Open 2020</a>

Earlier, the likes of Rafael Nadal, Nick Kyrgios, Kiki Bertens among others have withdrawn from the US Open 2020 citing concerns surrounding COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, Swiss ace Roger Federer will be missing the tournament as he is still recovering from the knee surgery.&nbsp;

Following the US Open 2020, the Italian Open is scheduled to be held in Rome from Sept. 20 ahead of the French Open Grand Slam in Paris a week later. 
&nbsp;

Former US Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova on Monday became the latest tennis star to withdrew from this year’s tournament citing concerns over COVID-19 pandemic.

Former US Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova on Monday became the latest tennis star to withdrew from this year’s tournament citing concerns over COVID-19 pandemic. The 35-year-old Russian, who bagged the first of her two career Grand Slam titles at Flushing Meadows in 2004, joins the growing list of players from Europe opting to skip the showpiece event. "Due to the unfavourable situation due to coronavirus...I made the difficult decision for myself to refuse to participate," Kuznetsova said in a post on her Instagram page. Currently, world number 32, Kuznetsova will further miss the ATP/WTA Western and Southern Open which is being played in New York this year after being shifted from Cincinnati. ALSO READ: World number seven Bertens withdraws from U.S. Open "I'm sorry as I've been waiting for these tournaments, but the pandemic changed all plans," Kuznetsova said. "I hope that the situation in the world will become more stable by the next competition." Furthermore, in a separate announcement on Monday, the US Tennis Association confirmed that the Czech Republic’s Barbora Strycova has also opted out of the US Open along with China’s Wanx Xiyi. As a result, US’s Ann Li and Australia’s Priscilla Hon have been given a ticket to the main draw. ALSO READ: 'Slim to none' - Nick Kyrgios unlikely for French Open 2020 Earlier, the likes of Rafael Nadal, Nick Kyrgios, Kiki Bertens among others have withdrawn from the US Open 2020 citing concerns surrounding COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, Swiss ace Roger Federer will be missing the tournament as he is still recovering from the knee surgery. Following the US Open 2020, the Italian Open is scheduled to be held in Rome from Sept. 20 ahead of the French Open Grand Slam in Paris a week later.

Former champion Svetlana Kuznetsova latest to withdraw from U.S. Open

Women’s world number seven Kiki Bertens has joined a growing list of players withdrawing from this month’s U.S. Open due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Dutch player said on Friday.

Men’s defending champion Rafa Nadal and women’s world number one Ashleigh Barty have also opted against travelling to New York to play the hardcourt Grand Slam as well as the Western &amp; Southern Open that will work as a warmup for the U.S. Open.

“After long consideration I have decided not to go to the States for Cincinnati and the U.S. Open,” the 28-year-old Bertens said on Instagram.

“The situation around COVID-19 is still worrying and the health of everyone and the control over this virus is priority.”

The United States has close to 5 million cases of COVID-19 and almost 160,000 people have died, according to a Reuters tally.

The U.S. Open organisers (USTA) are creating a bio-secure ‘bubble’ in New York to hold the tournament from Aug. 31 without spectators. But concerns remain about whether players would face mandatory quarantines upon returning home from the U.S. Open.

Former world number one Andy Murray, who won the U.S. Open in 2012, said on Monday that players travelling to New York needed assurance that they would not face mandatory quarantines after returning to Europe.

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“Of course we respect this as a team and this would disturb our preparation for my beloved clay court tournaments in Rome and Paris. I hope the situation will soon take a positive turn and wish everyone good health,” she said.

The Italian Open is scheduled to be held in Rome from Sept. 20 ahead of the French Open Grand Slam in Paris a week later.

Women’s world number seven Kiki Bertens has joined a growing list of players withdrawing from this month’s U.S. Open due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Dutch player said on Friday.

Women’s world number seven Kiki Bertens has joined a growing list of players withdrawing from this month’s U.S. Open due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Dutch player said on Friday. Men’s defending champion Rafa Nadal and women’s world number one Ashleigh Barty have also opted against travelling to New York to play the hardcourt Grand Slam as well as the Western & Southern Open that will work as a warmup for the U.S. Open. “After long consideration I have decided not to go to the States for Cincinnati and the U.S. Open,” the 28-year-old Bertens said on Instagram. “The situation around COVID-19 is still worrying and the health of everyone and the control over this virus is priority.” The United States has close to 5 million cases of COVID-19 and almost 160,000 people have died, according to a Reuters tally. The U.S. Open organisers (USTA) are creating a bio-secure ‘bubble’ in New York to hold the tournament from Aug. 31 without spectators. But concerns remain about whether players would face mandatory quarantines upon returning home from the U.S. Open. Former world number one Andy Murray, who won the U.S. Open in 2012, said on Monday that players travelling to New York needed assurance that they would not face mandatory quarantines after returning to Europe. “Our prime minister indicated yesterday that we should be quarantined for 14 days after coming back from the States,” Bertens said. “Of course we respect this as a team and this would disturb our preparation for my beloved clay court tournaments in Rome and Paris. I hope the situation will soon take a positive turn and wish everyone good health,” she said. The Italian Open is scheduled to be held in Rome from Sept. 20 ahead of the French Open Grand Slam in Paris a week later.

World number seven Bertens withdraws from U.S. Open

Australian ace Nick Kyrgios on Thursday dropped a massive hint that he will skip the much-awaited French Open as he said chances of him travelling to Europe in the year 2020 were “slim to none”. Kyrgios has already pulled out of US Open in New York due to COVID-19 pandemic while world number two Rafael Nadal following suit.

Kyrgios, who is one of the biggest drawcards, said he wasn’t surprised to see Nadal opting out of US Open but said that the Spaniard was likely “eyeing the French Open” scheduled to be held in late September.&nbsp;

"And if I was to play I'd probably definitely rather go to Europe (than America) at this time of year for sure with everything going on," Kyrgios added to Channel Nine television from his Canberra base.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nadal-still-preparing-to-play-roland-garros-despite-us-open-withdrawal-318418" hreflang="en">Nadal still preparing to play Roland Garros despite US Open withdrawal</a>

It's a very slim chance I'll play in Europe. Almost slim to none to be honest," he said.

"I'm going to use this (time) to stay home, train, be with my family, be with my friends and I'm just going to act responsibly, and wait till I think there's better circumstances to play."

Kyrgios went on to cast doubt on Australian Open 2021, scheduled in January, with host city Melbourne battling another outbreak that has triggered a lockdown and curfew in the city.

"I'm not too sure the Australian Open will be going ahead as it did at the start of the year with the pandemic in Melbourne," he said.

"It's sad times in Melbourne so I'm not too sure if the Australian Open will go on."

Kyrgios has been extremely vocal in his criticism of some of the top players, who participated at Novak Djokovic’s ill-fated Adria Tour exhibition.&nbsp;

"Their behaviour throughout this time, I don't think has been great at all. Especially coming from some of our leaders of the sport," Kyrgios said.

"On top of our game they're supposed to be setting an example for the rest of the tour, and them coming back at me with behaviour that I've done on court, I mean it just shows their intellectual level to be honest.

"Putting lives at risk, it's not really comparable."

Australian ace Nick Kyrgios on Thursday dropped a massive hint that he will skip the much-awaited French Open as he said chances of him travelling to Europe in the year 2020 were “slim to none”.

Australian ace Nick Kyrgios on Thursday dropped a massive hint that he will skip the much-awaited French Open as he said chances of him travelling to Europe in the year 2020 were “slim to none”. Kyrgios has already pulled out of US Open in New York due to COVID-19 pandemic while world number two Rafael Nadal following suit. Kyrgios, who is one of the biggest drawcards, said he wasn’t surprised to see Nadal opting out of US Open but said that the Spaniard was likely “eyeing the French Open” scheduled to be held in late September. "And if I was to play I'd probably definitely rather go to Europe (than America) at this time of year for sure with everything going on," Kyrgios added to Channel Nine television from his Canberra base. ALSO READ: Nadal still preparing to play Roland Garros despite US Open withdrawal It's a very slim chance I'll play in Europe. Almost slim to none to be honest," he said. "I'm going to use this (time) to stay home, train, be with my family, be with my friends and I'm just going to act responsibly, and wait till I think there's better circumstances to play." Kyrgios went on to cast doubt on Australian Open 2021, scheduled in January, with host city Melbourne battling another outbreak that has triggered a lockdown and curfew in the city. "I'm not too sure the Australian Open will be going ahead as it did at the start of the year with the pandemic in Melbourne," he said. "It's sad times in Melbourne so I'm not too sure if the Australian Open will go on." Kyrgios has been extremely vocal in his criticism of some of the top players, who participated at Novak Djokovic’s ill-fated Adria Tour exhibition. "Their behaviour throughout this time, I don't think has been great at all. Especially coming from some of our leaders of the sport," Kyrgios said. "On top of our game they're supposed to be setting an example for the rest of the tour, and them coming back at me with behaviour that I've done on court, I mean it just shows their intellectual level to be honest. "Putting lives at risk, it's not really comparable."

'Slim to none' - Nick Kyrgios unlikely for French Open 2020

The Madrid Open tennis tournament has been cancelled due to fresh outbreaks of coronavirus in the region, organisers confirmed on Tuesday, raising doubts around the upcoming US and French Opens.

Originally scheduled for May, the postponed Madrid tournament was scheduled to take place on the clay courts at Caja Magica between September 12 and 20.

"We share in the disappointment that the Mutua Madrid Open will not be able to take place this year," said Andrea Gaudenzi, the ATP Chairman, in a statement.

The tournament was expected to boast a stellar field, including world number two and five-time champion Rafael Nadal, and would have been a key warm-up event two weeks before the start of the French Open.

The Italian Open is due to go ahead in Rome in the week leading up to the grand slam at Roland Garros but it remains to be seen how other competitions react.

Before then, hard-court events are planned later this month in Lexington and New York ahead of the US Open at Flushing Meadows, which is due to start on August 31.

After a rise in coronavirus cases in Spain, the regional government of Madrid recommended on Saturday that the Madrid Open be called off, with its cancellation duly confirmed on Tuesday.

Recent COVID-19 outbreaks in Madrid had caused concern around maintaining the safety of players, staff and fans, despite daily cases of the virus falling dramatically in Spain through most of June and July.

There have been over 1,500 positive cases a day in the country over the past week and, in total, Spain has recorded more than 28,000 deaths, according to official figures.

Tennis has been slower than other sports to restart, with the amount of travel required from players and their support teams considered particularly problematic.

The Palermo Ladies Open became the first official Tour event to take place since early March when the main draw began in Sicily on Monday.

However one unnamed player was forced to withdraw after testing positive for coronavirus, organisers confirmed on Saturday.

The Madrid Open tennis tournament has been cancelled due to fresh outbreaks of coronavirus in the region, organisers confirmed on Tuesday, raising doubts around the upcoming US and French Opens.

The Madrid Open tennis tournament has been cancelled due to fresh outbreaks of coronavirus in the region, organisers confirmed on Tuesday, raising doubts around the upcoming US and French Opens. Originally scheduled for May, the postponed Madrid tournament was scheduled to take place on the clay courts at Caja Magica between September 12 and 20. "We share in the disappointment that the Mutua Madrid Open will not be able to take place this year," said Andrea Gaudenzi, the ATP Chairman, in a statement. The tournament was expected to boast a stellar field, including world number two and five-time champion Rafael Nadal, and would have been a key warm-up event two weeks before the start of the French Open. The Italian Open is due to go ahead in Rome in the week leading up to the grand slam at Roland Garros but it remains to be seen how other competitions react. Before then, hard-court events are planned later this month in Lexington and New York ahead of the US Open at Flushing Meadows, which is due to start on August 31. After a rise in coronavirus cases in Spain, the regional government of Madrid recommended on Saturday that the Madrid Open be called off, with its cancellation duly confirmed on Tuesday. Recent COVID-19 outbreaks in Madrid had caused concern around maintaining the safety of players, staff and fans, despite daily cases of the virus falling dramatically in Spain through most of June and July. There have been over 1,500 positive cases a day in the country over the past week and, in total, Spain has recorded more than 28,000 deaths, according to official figures. Tennis has been slower than other sports to restart, with the amount of travel required from players and their support teams considered particularly problematic. The Palermo Ladies Open became the first official Tour event to take place since early March when the main draw began in Sicily on Monday. However one unnamed player was forced to withdraw after testing positive for coronavirus, organisers confirmed on Saturday.

Madrid Masters tennis cancelled due to COVID

Rafael Nadal on Wednesday said he still intends to play at the French Open next month and remains hopeful it will go ahead, despite withdrawing from the US Open due to coronavirus concerns.

Nadal also insisted the US Open will not carry an asterisk without its defending men's champion, even if he admitted it will take place under "special circumstances", with several top players expected to sit out.

The 34-year-old Spaniard's withdrawal was confirmed shortly after the Madrid Open was cancelled on Tuesday, with a rise in coronavirus cases in Europe raising doubts around other events, including the French Open, which is due to start in Paris on September 27.&nbsp;

Nadal, who would be going for a record-extending 13th title at Roland Garros, was asked if he thinks the tournament will go ahead.&nbsp;

"I trust it will yes, it is in my mind and I am preparing for it," said the 34-year-old in a briefing with international media on Wednesday.

"But we have to wait for events, to see how everything evolves because it is true that in recent weeks the situation seems to have worsened a little. But my hope and my intention would be to be there if conditions allow."

Nadal also explained his decision to pull out of the US Open. "My heart says today is not the moment to take long travels without knowing exactly what can and cannot happen.&nbsp;

"My decision is to stay at home in Mallorca where the situation is good, it looks under control here, and to wait for future opportunities."

<h2>- 'Special circumstances' -</h2>

Women's world number one Ashleigh Barty has also chosen not to compete in New York, where a depleted entry list in both the men's and women's draws looks inevitable.&nbsp;

Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray are all still due to play.&nbsp;

"The tournament is still big, it's a Grand Slam," Nadal said. "I am not arrogant enough to say the tournament is not big because I am not playing. There will be important players.&nbsp;

"Of course it's a tournament under special circumstances but still a Grand Slam and the winner will feel like the winner of a Grand Slam. It's true it will be under special circumstances with a lot of important players not travelling there."&nbsp;

Nadal added: "My words can have repercussions so it is difficult to say if it is the right decision or not, for some players it will be right for others not.&nbsp;

"I respect a lot the amount of work and positive intentions of the ATP and USTA (United States Tennis Association) to try to come back to the tour. I have taken my decision so you know my thoughts but I respect there are other players in different situations and they need to play because they have financial problems and need to earn money after a few months without income."&nbsp;

Nadal also said lessons need to be learned after the "mistake" of the ill-fated Adria Tour in June, which was organised by Djokovic and led to several players, including the Serb, testing positive for coronavirus.&nbsp;

"I think most of the players want the best for the world and for people. Of course there was a mistake in the tour organised in Serbia and Croatia but mistakes are normal when you face a situation you haven't faced before," Nadal said.&nbsp;

"The players need to make decisions but I am not saying mine is the right one. Every decision can be right or wrong. We are facing unpredictable situations.&nbsp;

"I really hope people learn from the Adria Tour and we continue in the best way possible."&nbsp;

Rafael Nadal on Wednesday said he still intends to play at the French Open next month and remains hopeful it will go ahead, despite withdrawing from the US Open due to coronavirus concerns.

Rafael Nadal on Wednesday said he still intends to play at the French Open next month and remains hopeful it will go ahead, despite withdrawing from the US Open due to coronavirus concerns. Nadal also insisted the US Open will not carry an asterisk without its defending men's champion, even if he admitted it will take place under "special circumstances", with several top players expected to sit out. The 34-year-old Spaniard's withdrawal was confirmed shortly after the Madrid Open was cancelled on Tuesday, with a rise in coronavirus cases in Europe raising doubts around other events, including the French Open, which is due to start in Paris on September 27. Nadal, who would be going for a record-extending 13th title at Roland Garros, was asked if he thinks the tournament will go ahead. "I trust it will yes, it is in my mind and I am preparing for it," said the 34-year-old in a briefing with international media on Wednesday. "But we have to wait for events, to see how everything evolves because it is true that in recent weeks the situation seems to have worsened a little. But my hope and my intention would be to be there if conditions allow." Nadal also explained his decision to pull out of the US Open. "My heart says today is not the moment to take long travels without knowing exactly what can and cannot happen. "My decision is to stay at home in Mallorca where the situation is good, it looks under control here, and to wait for future opportunities." - 'Special circumstances' - Women's world number one Ashleigh Barty has also chosen not to compete in New York, where a depleted entry list in both the men's and women's draws looks inevitable. Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray are all still due to play. "The tournament is still big, it's a Grand Slam," Nadal said. "I am not arrogant enough to say the tournament is not big because I am not playing. There will be important players. "Of course it's a tournament under special circumstances but still a Grand Slam and the winner will feel like the winner of a Grand Slam. It's true it will be under special circumstances with a lot of important players not travelling there." Nadal added: "My words can have repercussions so it is difficult to say if it is the right decision or not, for some players it will be right for others not. "I respect a lot the amount of work and positive intentions of the ATP and USTA (United States Tennis Association) to try to come back to the tour. I have taken my decision so you know my thoughts but I respect there are other players in different situations and they need to play because they have financial problems and need to earn money after a few months without income." Nadal also said lessons need to be learned after the "mistake" of the ill-fated Adria Tour in June, which was organised by Djokovic and led to several players, including the Serb, testing positive for coronavirus. "I think most of the players want the best for the world and for people. Of course there was a mistake in the tour organised in Serbia and Croatia but mistakes are normal when you face a situation you haven't faced before," Nadal said. "The players need to make decisions but I am not saying mine is the right one. Every decision can be right or wrong. We are facing unpredictable situations. "I really hope people learn from the Adria Tour and we continue in the best way possible."

Nadal still preparing to play Roland Garros despite US Open withdrawal

Rising Indian tennis player Sumit Nagal has been handed a direct entry into the US Open singles main draw after several top stars pulled out of the Grand Slam, scheduled to take place in the Flushing Meadows, from August 31.&nbsp;

Nagal, ranked 127, was the last player to receive direct entry into the field of 128, which was locked into using the latest ATP rankings, as per the tournament website. Hence, Nagal will be the only Indian in the men’s event with Prajnesh Gunneswaran, who is ranked 132, missing out narrowly.

In 2019, Nagal reachedh is maiden Grand Slam, after winning all the qualifying round matches. He went onto face the legendary Swiss megastar Roger Federer in what was a dream encounter for the youngster.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-skips-us-open-citing-covid-19-concerns-318320" hreflang="en">Rafael Nadal skips US Open citing COVID-19 concerns</a>

In the much-talked-about encounter, the 22-year-old bagged a set off Federer before the Swiss maestro got into the groove to win the match 6-4, 1-6, 2-6, 4-6.

Three-time US Open champions and current world number one Novak Djokovic headlines the US Open 2020 with the likes of Federer and Rafael Nadal giving the event a miss. While Federer is still recovering from a knee surgery, Nadal cited health concerns surrounding COVID-19.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/madrid-masters-tennis-cancelled-due-to-covid-318300" hreflang="en">Madrid Masters tennis cancelled due to COVID</a>

Former champion Stan Wawrinka, Nick Kyrgios, Fabio Fognini and Gael Monfils are other top tennis star missing from the men’s event.&nbsp;

Professional tennis tours have been on a hiatus since March because of the coronavirus outbreak, with play resuming for women at Palermo Ladies Open this week in Italy. 
&nbsp;

Rising Indian tennis player Sumit Nagal has been handed a direct entry into the US Open singles main draw after several top stars pulled out of the Grand Slam, scheduled to take place in the Flushing Meadows, from August 31.

Rising Indian tennis player Sumit Nagal has been handed a direct entry into the US Open singles main draw after several top stars pulled out of the Grand Slam, scheduled to take place in the Flushing Meadows, from August 31. Nagal, ranked 127, was the last player to receive direct entry into the field of 128, which was locked into using the latest ATP rankings, as per the tournament website. Hence, Nagal will be the only Indian in the men’s event with Prajnesh Gunneswaran, who is ranked 132, missing out narrowly. In 2019, Nagal reachedh is maiden Grand Slam, after winning all the qualifying round matches. He went onto face the legendary Swiss megastar Roger Federer in what was a dream encounter for the youngster. ALSO READ: Rafael Nadal skips US Open citing COVID-19 concerns In the much-talked-about encounter, the 22-year-old bagged a set off Federer before the Swiss maestro got into the groove to win the match 6-4, 1-6, 2-6, 4-6. Three-time US Open champions and current world number one Novak Djokovic headlines the US Open 2020 with the likes of Federer and Rafael Nadal giving the event a miss. While Federer is still recovering from a knee surgery, Nadal cited health concerns surrounding COVID-19. ALSO READ: Madrid Masters tennis cancelled due to COVID Former champion Stan Wawrinka, Nick Kyrgios, Fabio Fognini and Gael Monfils are other top tennis star missing from the men’s event. Professional tennis tours have been on a hiatus since March because of the coronavirus outbreak, with play resuming for women at Palermo Ladies Open this week in Italy.

India's Sumit Nagal gets direct entry to US Open 2020 as several top players pull out

World number two Rafael Nadal on Tuesday confirmed that he will not defend his US Open title this year at the iconic Flushing Meadows as he cited concerns surrounding COVID-19. Nadal joined women’s world number one Australian Ashleigh Barty in skipping the tournament due to coronavirus concers.&nbsp;

"After many thoughts I have decided not to play this year's U.S. Open," Nadal said on Twitter here "The situation is very complicated worldwide, the COVID-19 cases are increasing, it looks like we still don't have control of it.

“We know that the reduced tennis calendar is barbaric this year after 4 months stopped with no play, I understand and thank (everyone) for the efforts they are putting in to make it happen. We have just seen the announcement of Madrid not being played this year.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/madrid-masters-tennis-cancelled-due-to-covid-318300" hreflang="en">Madrid Masters tennis cancelled due to COVID</a>

“This is a decision I never wanted to take but I have decided to follow my heart this time and for the time being I rather not travel.”

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After many thoughts I have decided not to play this year’s US Open. The situation is very complicated worldwide, the COVID-19 cases are increasing, it looks like we still don’t have control of it.
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal/status/1290713864506683393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The Madrid Open, which was scheduled to be held from September 12-20, was called off on Tuesday amid rising cases of COVID-19 in the Spanish capital. Whereas, the United States has the highest tally in the world with more than 4.7 million coronavirus cases with around 156,000 deaths.&nbsp;

World number one Novak Djokovic headlines the men’s list for US Open 2020 along with last year’s runner-up Daniil Medvedev with other top 10 players including Dominic Thiem, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/andy-murray-expects-some-top-male-players-to-skip-us-open-2020-317253" hreflang="en">Andy Murray expects 'some top male players' to skip US Open 2020</a>

Notably, Swiss ace Roger Federer will also be absent after he underwent a knee surgery in June that ended his 2020 season.

Nine of the top 10 women’s players, including 23-times Grand Slam champion Serena Williams and holder Bianca Andreescu, are on the entry list along with 2018 champion Naomi Osaka.

Organisers said the seedings would be announced closer to the start of the tournament which is scheduled for Aug. 31.

World number two Rafael Nadal on Tuesday confirmed that he will not defend his US Open title this year at the iconic Flushing Meadows as he cited concerns surrounding COVID-19.

World number two Rafael Nadal on Tuesday confirmed that he will not defend his US Open title this year at the iconic Flushing Meadows as he cited concerns surrounding COVID-19. Nadal joined women’s world number one Australian Ashleigh Barty in skipping the tournament due to coronavirus concers. "After many thoughts I have decided not to play this year's U.S. Open," Nadal said on Twitter here "The situation is very complicated worldwide, the COVID-19 cases are increasing, it looks like we still don't have control of it. “We know that the reduced tennis calendar is barbaric this year after 4 months stopped with no play, I understand and thank (everyone) for the efforts they are putting in to make it happen. We have just seen the announcement of Madrid not being played this year. ALSO READ: Madrid Masters tennis cancelled due to COVID “This is a decision I never wanted to take but I have decided to follow my heart this time and for the time being I rather not travel.” After many thoughts I have decided not to play this year’s US Open. The situation is very complicated worldwide, the COVID-19 cases are increasing, it looks like we still don’t have control of it. — Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) August 4, 2020 × The Madrid Open, which was scheduled to be held from September 12-20, was called off on Tuesday amid rising cases of COVID-19 in the Spanish capital. Whereas, the United States has the highest tally in the world with more than 4.7 million coronavirus cases with around 156,000 deaths. World number one Novak Djokovic headlines the men’s list for US Open 2020 along with last year’s runner-up Daniil Medvedev with other top 10 players including Dominic Thiem, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev. ALSO READ: Andy Murray expects 'some top male players' to skip US Open 2020 Notably, Swiss ace Roger Federer will also be absent after he underwent a knee surgery in June that ended his 2020 season. Nine of the top 10 women’s players, including 23-times Grand Slam champion Serena Williams and holder Bianca Andreescu, are on the entry list along with 2018 champion Naomi Osaka. Organisers said the seedings would be announced closer to the start of the tournament which is scheduled for Aug. 31.

Rafael Nadal skips US Open citing COVID-19 concerns

An emotional Nick Kyrgios pulled out of the US Open Sunday, for "the hundreds of thousands of Americans who have lost their lives", while pleading with players who attend to not be selfish and act responsibly.

His decision follows fellow Australian and world number one Ashleigh Barty last week withdrawing from the Grand Slam in New York, citing "significant risks" from the coronavirus pandemic.

"Dear Tennis, I will not be playing this year at the US Open. It hurts me at my core," Kyrgios, who has consistently called out fellow competitors for not taking the virus seriously enough, said in a video posted on Twitter.

"But I'm sitting out for the people, for my Aussies, for the hundreds of thousands of Americans who have lost their lives, for all of you."

More than 150,000 people have died from COVID-19 in the United States, with over 4.5 million infections since the beginning of the pandemic.

The opinionated Kyrgios, ranked just 40 but a major drawcard, last month blasted the ATP as "selfish" for pressing ahead with plans for the US Open, which is scheduled to start on August 31.

He tempered criticism of organisers in a passionate letter read during the video, saying he had "no problem" with it being held, citing the need to keep people such as restaurant workers, cleaners, and locker room attendants in work.

But Kyrgios had strong words for some of the top names in the game, in a veiled jab at those who took part in Novak Djokovic's recent ill-fated Adria Tour exhibition, where there was minimal social distancing and players went nightclubbing.

"Tennis players, you have to act in the interests of each other and work together," said the Australian.

"You can't be dancing on tables, money-grabbing your way around Europe or trying to make a quick buck hosting an exhibition -- that's just so selfish.

"Think of the other people for once, that's what this virus is about. It doesn't care about your world ranking or how much money you have in the bank. Act responsibly."

- 'Stupidity' blasted -

Djokovic, Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki all tested positive for COVID-19 after the Adria Tour and Kyrgios has since waged a running battle with some of those who played, including Alexander Zverev and Dominic Thiem, blasting their "stupidity" and risky behaviour.

The US Tennis Association (USTA) on Friday said they were confident in their safety plans for the event, which will take place in a bubble quarantine setting without spectators.

The tennis season has been at a standstill since mid-March due to the virus outbreak worldwide, with Wimbledon cancelled for the first time since World War II.

Calendars have been reshuffled with the WTA tour scheduled to restart on Monday in Palermo, Italy, although a player, who has not been officially identified, tested positive for coronavirus and pulled out.

The men are set to get back under way at the Western and Southern Open, a tune-up event for the US Open from August 20-28 in a quarantine environment without spectators at Flushing Meadows.

World number one Djokovic, the reigning Wimbledon and Australian Open champion, and second-ranked Rafael Nadal, the current US Open champion, were among entries for that event, signalling their likely intent to play the Grand Slam.

Serena Williams was also confirmed, but missing from the entry list was Barty, world number two Simona Halep, the current Wimbledon champion, fifth-rated Elina Svitolina and last year's US Open champion, sixth-ranked Bianca Andreescu.

 
mp/hr/dh

 
© Agence France-Presse

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

An emotional Nick Kyrgios pulled out of the US Open Sunday, for "the hundreds of thousands of Americans who have lost their lives", while pleading with players who attend to not be selfish and act responsibly.

An emotional Nick Kyrgios pulled out of the US Open Sunday, for "the hundreds of thousands of Americans who have lost their lives", while pleading with players who attend to not be selfish and act responsibly. His decision follows fellow Australian and world number one Ashleigh Barty last week withdrawing from the Grand Slam in New York, citing "significant risks" from the coronavirus pandemic. "Dear Tennis, I will not be playing this year at the US Open. It hurts me at my core," Kyrgios, who has consistently called out fellow competitors for not taking the virus seriously enough, said in a video posted on Twitter. "But I'm sitting out for the people, for my Aussies, for the hundreds of thousands of Americans who have lost their lives, for all of you." More than 150,000 people have died from COVID-19 in the United States, with over 4.5 million infections since the beginning of the pandemic. The opinionated Kyrgios, ranked just 40 but a major drawcard, last month blasted the ATP as "selfish" for pressing ahead with plans for the US Open, which is scheduled to start on August 31. He tempered criticism of organisers in a passionate letter read during the video, saying he had "no problem" with it being held, citing the need to keep people such as restaurant workers, cleaners, and locker room attendants in work. But Kyrgios had strong words for some of the top names in the game, in a veiled jab at those who took part in Novak Djokovic's recent ill-fated Adria Tour exhibition, where there was minimal social distancing and players went nightclubbing. "Tennis players, you have to act in the interests of each other and work together," said the Australian. "You can't be dancing on tables, money-grabbing your way around Europe or trying to make a quick buck hosting an exhibition -- that's just so selfish. "Think of the other people for once, that's what this virus is about. It doesn't care about your world ranking or how much money you have in the bank. Act responsibly." - 'Stupidity' blasted - Djokovic, Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki all tested positive for COVID-19 after the Adria Tour and Kyrgios has since waged a running battle with some of those who played, including Alexander Zverev and Dominic Thiem, blasting their "stupidity" and risky behaviour. The US Tennis Association (USTA) on Friday said they were confident in their safety plans for the event, which will take place in a bubble quarantine setting without spectators. The tennis season has been at a standstill since mid-March due to the virus outbreak worldwide, with Wimbledon cancelled for the first time since World War II. Calendars have been reshuffled with the WTA tour scheduled to restart on Monday in Palermo, Italy, although a player, who has not been officially identified, tested positive for coronavirus and pulled out. The men are set to get back under way at the Western and Southern Open, a tune-up event for the US Open from August 20-28 in a quarantine environment without spectators at Flushing Meadows. World number one Djokovic, the reigning Wimbledon and Australian Open champion, and second-ranked Rafael Nadal, the current US Open champion, were among entries for that event, signalling their likely intent to play the Grand Slam. Serena Williams was also confirmed, but missing from the entry list was Barty, world number two Simona Halep, the current Wimbledon champion, fifth-rated Elina Svitolina and last year's US Open champion, sixth-ranked Bianca Andreescu. mp/hr/dh © Agence France-Presse

Kyrgios pulls out of US Open, pleads with players not to be 'selfish'

Britain’s Andy Murray has said that he is expecting some of the top male tennis players to skip the much-awaited US Open in New York next month due to concerns over COVID-19 pandemic following women’s world no. one Ashleigh Barty’s footsteps.&nbsp;

Barty on Thursday said she was not comfortable travelling to New York amid the pandemic and didn’t want to put herself and her team in trouble for the hardcourt Grand Slam, which is scheduled to start on August 31.&nbsp;

Murray backed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-number-one-ashleigh-barty-to-skip-us-open-over-covid-19-concerns-317067">Barty’s decision to skip the US Open</a> as he said that if a player is not comfortable travelling and playing then it is completely understandable.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-number-one-ashleigh-barty-to-skip-us-open-over-covid-19-concerns-317067" hreflang="en">World number one Ashleigh Barty to skip U.S. Open over COVID-19 concerns</a>

“I have heard some of the top male players aren’t going to play. I would expect that would be the case,” former world number one Murray told British media.

“It’s everyone’s personal decision. If they don’t feel safe, and don’t feel comfortable, travelling and going there and putting themselves and their team at an increased risk, then it’s completely understandable.”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nick-kyrgios-hits-back-at-borna-coric-over-adria-tour-saga-asks-do-you-have-rocks-in-your-head-316740" hreflang="en">Nick Kyrgios hits back at Borna Coric over Adria Tour saga, asks 'do you have rocks in your head?'</a>

The likes of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams have all entered the Western &amp; Southern Open in New York, which has been relocated from Cincinnati this year due to COVID-19 and will serve as a preparatory event for the US Open. Even Japanese ace Naomi Osaka has confirmed her participation in the US Open, which will be first Grand Slam to be played post-COVID-19 break.

Both tournament will be played behind closed doors with organizes United States Tennis Association looking to set up a strict bio-secure bubble to curb the spread of the dreaded virus.

 
&nbsp;

Britain’s Andy Murray has said that he is expecting some of the top male tennis players to skip the much-awaited US Open in New York next month due to concerns over COVID-19 pandemic following women’s world no.

Britain’s Andy Murray has said that he is expecting some of the top male tennis players to skip the much-awaited US Open in New York next month due to concerns over COVID-19 pandemic following women’s world no. one Ashleigh Barty’s footsteps. Barty on Thursday said she was not comfortable travelling to New York amid the pandemic and didn’t want to put herself and her team in trouble for the hardcourt Grand Slam, which is scheduled to start on August 31. Murray backed Barty’s decision to skip the US Open as he said that if a player is not comfortable travelling and playing then it is completely understandable. ALSO READ: World number one Ashleigh Barty to skip U.S. Open over COVID-19 concerns “I have heard some of the top male players aren’t going to play. I would expect that would be the case,” former world number one Murray told British media. “It’s everyone’s personal decision. If they don’t feel safe, and don’t feel comfortable, travelling and going there and putting themselves and their team at an increased risk, then it’s completely understandable.” ALSO READ: Nick Kyrgios hits back at Borna Coric over Adria Tour saga, asks 'do you have rocks in your head?' The likes of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams have all entered the Western & Southern Open in New York, which has been relocated from Cincinnati this year due to COVID-19 and will serve as a preparatory event for the US Open. Even Japanese ace Naomi Osaka has confirmed her participation in the US Open, which will be first Grand Slam to be played post-COVID-19 break. Both tournament will be played behind closed doors with organizes United States Tennis Association looking to set up a strict bio-secure bubble to curb the spread of the dreaded virus.

Andy Murray expects 'some top male players' to skip US Open 2020

World number one tennis star Ashleigh Barty will skip the much-awaited US Open and the tournament preceding it in New York due to concerns over COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement, Barty confirmed that she won’t be travelling for the US Open or the Western and Southern Open while citing significant risks involved due to the dreaded virus while adding she doesn’t feel comfortable putting her team in that position.

“My team and I have decided that we won’t be travelling to the U.S. for the Western and Southern Open and the U.S. Open this year,” the Australian said in a statement issued by her manager on Thursday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nick-kyrgios-hits-back-at-borna-coric-over-adria-tour-saga-asks-do-you-have-rocks-in-your-head-316740" hreflang="en">Nick Kyrgios hits back at Borna Coric over Adria Tour saga, asks 'do you have rocks in your head?'</a>

“I love both events so it was a difficult decision but there are still significant risks involved due to COVID-19 and I don’t feel comfortable putting my team and I in that position.

“I wish the USTA all the best for the tournaments and look forward to being back in the U.S. next year.”

The Western and Southern Open is held annually in Cincinnati but has been moved to New York this year with the event set to commence mid-August.

Whereas the US Open kicks off on August 31 and will be held in the Flushing Meadows, Queens. However, the tournament is set to be played without fans in attendance to curb the spread of the virus.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-marnus-labuschagne-thriving-to-be-the-best-316956" hreflang="en">Exclusive | Marnus Labuschagne: Thriving to be the best</a>

The defending French Open champion will take a decision on Rolland Garros, which is starting late September, later.&nbsp;

“I will make my decision on the French Open and the surrounding WTA European tournaments in the coming weeks,” she said.

World number one Novak Djokovic, 23-time Grand Slam champion are expected to participate in the US Open. Japanese ace Naomi Osaka has also confirmed she will be competing in the tournament.&nbsp;

Deaths from COVID-19 surpassed 150,000 in the United States on Wednesday, more than any other country and nearly a quarter of the world’s total, according to a Reuters tally. 
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World number one tennis star Ashleigh Barty will skip the much-awaited US Open and the tournament preceding it in New York due to concerns over COVID-19 pandemic.

World number one tennis star Ashleigh Barty will skip the much-awaited US Open and the tournament preceding it in New York due to concerns over COVID-19 pandemic. In a statement, Barty confirmed that she won’t be travelling for the US Open or the Western and Southern Open while citing significant risks involved due to the dreaded virus while adding she doesn’t feel comfortable putting her team in that position. “My team and I have decided that we won’t be travelling to the U.S. for the Western and Southern Open and the U.S. Open this year,” the Australian said in a statement issued by her manager on Thursday. ALSO READ: Nick Kyrgios hits back at Borna Coric over Adria Tour saga, asks 'do you have rocks in your head?' “I love both events so it was a difficult decision but there are still significant risks involved due to COVID-19 and I don’t feel comfortable putting my team and I in that position. “I wish the USTA all the best for the tournaments and look forward to being back in the U.S. next year.” The Western and Southern Open is held annually in Cincinnati but has been moved to New York this year with the event set to commence mid-August. Whereas the US Open kicks off on August 31 and will be held in the Flushing Meadows, Queens. However, the tournament is set to be played without fans in attendance to curb the spread of the virus. ALSO READ: Exclusive | Marnus Labuschagne: Thriving to be the best The defending French Open champion will take a decision on Rolland Garros, which is starting late September, later. “I will make my decision on the French Open and the surrounding WTA European tournaments in the coming weeks,” she said. World number one Novak Djokovic, 23-time Grand Slam champion are expected to participate in the US Open. Japanese ace Naomi Osaka has also confirmed she will be competing in the tournament. Deaths from COVID-19 surpassed 150,000 in the United States on Wednesday, more than any other country and nearly a quarter of the world’s total, according to a Reuters tally.

World number one Ashleigh Barty to skip U.S. Open over COVID-19 concerns

Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios shot back at Borna Coric on Wednesday after the latter said that he was not bothered by criticism on Novak Djokovic’s Adria Tour, where several top tennis players tested positive for coronavirus.&nbsp;

The likes of Djokovic, Coric, Grigor Dimitrov and Viktor Troicki tested positive for the dreaded virus in Serbia and Croatia and the ill-fated tour was later cancelled.

Coric, reacting to Kyrgios’ criticism over the Adria Tour, the lack of social distancing and the players’ behavior after the event, said he would have understood if someone else was giving lessons while downplaying what Kyrgios has been saying for months.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/japans-wta-pan-pacific-open-tennis-scrapped-over-coronavirus-316445" hreflang="en">Japan's WTA Pan Pacific Open tennis scrapped over coronavirus</a>

"I read what he wrote, but I simply don't care because he likes to be a general after a battle," Coric told Croatia's Jutarnji List newspaper.

"If someone else was teaching lessons I would have understood, but Kyrgios … it's somehow not realistic."

Kyrgios had earlier criticized Alexander Zverev after a video of the German dancing at a packed club went viral on social media despite the world no. seven promising he would self-isolate after his appearance at the Adria Tour. 
Coric agreed what Zverev did was bad but added that there’s no need to criticise fellow players.

"I agree that was not good, Zverev acted badly," said Coric. "But I don't see the need to criticise fellow players in such a way. I wouldn't do it, but again – it's Kyrgios."

The comment by Coric irked Kyrgios as the Aussie asked whether he has rocks inside his head, in a strong-worded tweet.

<h2>"Do you have rocks in your head?" - Kyrgios asks Coric</h2>

You should care. Do you have rocks in your head? Again, you can stand up for your mates, I’m just trying to hold them accountable. When I said what I said, I didn’t intend to bother. They are tennis players, they aren’t special. Just as I thought Coric intellectual level = 0,” Kyrgios wrote on Wednesday.

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You should care. Do you have rocks in your head? Again, you can stand up for your mates, I’m just trying to hold them accountable. When I said what I said, I didn’t intend to bother. They are tennis players, they aren’t special. Just as I thought Coric intellectual level = 0 (🍩) <a href="https://t.co/KNBa5mNG77">https://t.co/KNBa5mNG77</a>
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios/status/1288333985626505216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Again, you can stand up for your mates, I'm just trying to hold them accountable. They are tennis players, they aren't special." 
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Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios shot back at Borna Coric on Wednesday after the latter said that he was not bothered by criticism on Novak Djokovic’s Adria Tour, where several top tennis players tested positive for coronavirus.

Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios shot back at Borna Coric on Wednesday after the latter said that he was not bothered by criticism on Novak Djokovic’s Adria Tour, where several top tennis players tested positive for coronavirus. The likes of Djokovic, Coric, Grigor Dimitrov and Viktor Troicki tested positive for the dreaded virus in Serbia and Croatia and the ill-fated tour was later cancelled. Coric, reacting to Kyrgios’ criticism over the Adria Tour, the lack of social distancing and the players’ behavior after the event, said he would have understood if someone else was giving lessons while downplaying what Kyrgios has been saying for months. ALSO READ: Japan's WTA Pan Pacific Open tennis scrapped over coronavirus "I read what he wrote, but I simply don't care because he likes to be a general after a battle," Coric told Croatia's Jutarnji List newspaper. "If someone else was teaching lessons I would have understood, but Kyrgios … it's somehow not realistic." Kyrgios had earlier criticized Alexander Zverev after a video of the German dancing at a packed club went viral on social media despite the world no. seven promising he would self-isolate after his appearance at the Adria Tour. Coric agreed what Zverev did was bad but added that there’s no need to criticise fellow players. "I agree that was not good, Zverev acted badly," said Coric. "But I don't see the need to criticise fellow players in such a way. I wouldn't do it, but again – it's Kyrgios." The comment by Coric irked Kyrgios as the Aussie asked whether he has rocks inside his head, in a strong-worded tweet. "Do you have rocks in your head?" - Kyrgios asks Coric You should care. Do you have rocks in your head? Again, you can stand up for your mates, I’m just trying to hold them accountable. When I said what I said, I didn’t intend to bother. They are tennis players, they aren’t special. Just as I thought Coric intellectual level = 0,” Kyrgios wrote on Wednesday. You should care. Do you have rocks in your head? Again, you can stand up for your mates, I’m just trying to hold them accountable. When I said what I said, I didn’t intend to bother. They are tennis players, they aren’t special. Just as I thought Coric intellectual level = 0 (🍩) https://t.co/KNBa5mNG77 — Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) July 29, 2020 × "Again, you can stand up for your mates, I'm just trying to hold them accountable. They are tennis players, they aren't special."

Nick Kyrgios hits back at Borna Coric over Adria Tour saga, asks 'do you have rocks in your head?'

The WTA Pan Pacific Open in Japan, one of Asia's top women's tennis tournaments, has been scrapped for the first time because of the coronavirus, organisers said Tuesday.

The cancellation of the event, which was scheduled for November and was won by Japan's Naomi Osaka last year, follows last week's axing of all international tennis tournaments in China for 2020.

The Pan Pacific's demise ends a continuous run for the tournament since 1984 and leaves Asia with only one Women's Tennis Association event, October's Korea Open, on this year's coronavirus-wrecked schedule.

It is also another blow for sport in Japan after the Tokyo Olympics, originally due to start last week, were postponed for a year over COVID-19.

"We were trying to find ways (to hold the Pan Pacific Open), such as having no audience or limiting the number of spectators," organisers said in a statement.

"But we reached the tough conclusion that we have to cancel the tournament given the difficulty of ensuring the safety" of all involved, they added.

The tournament had already been postponed from September to November, with organisers hoping the delay would allow them to hold the event.&nbsp;

Last year's Pan Pacific Open drew outsize attention in Japan thanks to hometown hero Osaka, who became the first Japanese player to win the tournament since Kimiko Date in 1995.

Her victory was all the sweeter for occurring in the city of Osaka, where the charismatic star was born.

The Pan Pacific Open is only the latest sports event to fall by the wayside as the coronavirus pandemic continues to rage.

Last week, the ATP and WTA announced all international tennis tournaments in China, including the Shanghai Masters and WTA Finals, would be cancelled because of the virus.

The move came after China said it would not stage most international sports events for the rest of 2020, in a bid to keep the pandemic in check.

The global tennis season has been at a standstill since mid-March due to the virus outbreak worldwide, and is struggling to restart.

The Cincinnati Open and US Open are still scheduled to take place back-to-back in New York from August 20, despite several leading figures in men's tennis casting doubts over the hardcourt Grand Slam.

The WTA tour is scheduled to restart on August 3 in Palermo, Italy, making it the first event on the reshuffled calendar.&nbsp;

Organisers of the Korea Open, Asia's last remaining tournament on this year's WTA calendar, told AFP they were "monitoring the situation" but had not made any decision to cancel.

The WTA Pan Pacific Open in Japan, one of Asia's top women's tennis tournaments, has been scrapped for the first time because of the coronavirus, organisers said Tuesday.

The WTA Pan Pacific Open in Japan, one of Asia's top women's tennis tournaments, has been scrapped for the first time because of the coronavirus, organisers said Tuesday. The cancellation of the event, which was scheduled for November and was won by Japan's Naomi Osaka last year, follows last week's axing of all international tennis tournaments in China for 2020. The Pan Pacific's demise ends a continuous run for the tournament since 1984 and leaves Asia with only one Women's Tennis Association event, October's Korea Open, on this year's coronavirus-wrecked schedule. It is also another blow for sport in Japan after the Tokyo Olympics, originally due to start last week, were postponed for a year over COVID-19. "We were trying to find ways (to hold the Pan Pacific Open), such as having no audience or limiting the number of spectators," organisers said in a statement. "But we reached the tough conclusion that we have to cancel the tournament given the difficulty of ensuring the safety" of all involved, they added. The tournament had already been postponed from September to November, with organisers hoping the delay would allow them to hold the event. Last year's Pan Pacific Open drew outsize attention in Japan thanks to hometown hero Osaka, who became the first Japanese player to win the tournament since Kimiko Date in 1995. Her victory was all the sweeter for occurring in the city of Osaka, where the charismatic star was born. The Pan Pacific Open is only the latest sports event to fall by the wayside as the coronavirus pandemic continues to rage. Last week, the ATP and WTA announced all international tennis tournaments in China, including the Shanghai Masters and WTA Finals, would be cancelled because of the virus. The move came after China said it would not stage most international sports events for the rest of 2020, in a bid to keep the pandemic in check. The global tennis season has been at a standstill since mid-March due to the virus outbreak worldwide, and is struggling to restart. The Cincinnati Open and US Open are still scheduled to take place back-to-back in New York from August 20, despite several leading figures in men's tennis casting doubts over the hardcourt Grand Slam. The WTA tour is scheduled to restart on August 3 in Palermo, Italy, making it the first event on the reshuffled calendar. Organisers of the Korea Open, Asia's last remaining tournament on this year's WTA calendar, told AFP they were "monitoring the situation" but had not made any decision to cancel.

Japan's WTA Pan Pacific Open tennis scrapped over coronavirus

Naomi Osaka has received some mean comments from social media users after the ace tennis star shared some of her photographs wearing a swimsuit. Osaka, who is the world’s highest paid female athlete, has tremendous fan following on social media and has over the years received immense love from her fans. However, things turned ugly when people asked her to maintain “innocent image” after she posted some of her pictures in a swimsuit.&nbsp;

Osaka took to social media platform Twitter to express her displeasure over some of the comments as the Japanese tennis star said that why do people thing they have the right to comment on what she can wear in what was a strong-worded tweet.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/totally-my-fault-lewis-hamilton-denies-hes-anti-vaccine-following-instagram-story-backlash-316316" hreflang="en">'Totally my fault...' - Lewis Hamilton denies he’s anti-vaccine following Instagram story backlash</a>

"I just wanna say it’s creeping me out how many people are commenting @ me to maintain my “innocent image” and “don’t try to be someone your not”. You don’t know me, I’m 22, I wear swimsuits to the pool. Why do you feel like you can comment on what I can wear?" wrote Osaka who is currently ranked 10th in the world.

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I just wanna say it’s creeping me out how many people are commenting @ me to maintain my “innocent image” and “don’t try to be someone your not”. You don’t know me, I’m 22, I wear swimsuits to the pool. Why do you feel like you can comment on what I can wear?
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) <a href="https://twitter.com/naomiosaka/status/1287424889855467520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
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As per a Forbes report in May, Osaka surpassed tennis legend Serena Williams to bag an annual earning of $34.4 million to become the highest paid female athlete in the world. The two-time Grand Slam winner also reportedly earned $1.4 million more in prize money and endorsement than Williams in the last 12 months.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-opens-empty-olympics-venues-up-for-public-use-316272" hreflang="en">Tokyo opens empty Olympics venues up for public use</a>

Not only that, Osaka also broke the record for most money earned in a single year by a female athlete, shattering the record held by retired tennis star Maria Sharapova, who had earned a whopping $29.7 million in 2015.

Osaka, a two-time Grand Slam champion, ranks No. 29 on the 2020 Forbes list of the world’s 100 top-paid athletes while Williams is No. 33.

Naomi Osaka has received some mean comments from social media users after the ace tennis star shared some of her photographs wearing a swimsuit. Osaka, who is the world’s highest paid female athlete, has tremendous fan following on social media and has over the years received immense love from her fans.

Naomi Osaka has received some mean comments from social media users after the ace tennis star shared some of her photographs wearing a swimsuit. Osaka, who is the world’s highest paid female athlete, has tremendous fan following on social media and has over the years received immense love from her fans. However, things turned ugly when people asked her to maintain “innocent image” after she posted some of her pictures in a swimsuit. Osaka took to social media platform Twitter to express her displeasure over some of the comments as the Japanese tennis star said that why do people thing they have the right to comment on what she can wear in what was a strong-worded tweet. ALSO READ: 'Totally my fault...' - Lewis Hamilton denies he’s anti-vaccine following Instagram story backlash "I just wanna say it’s creeping me out how many people are commenting @ me to maintain my “innocent image” and “don’t try to be someone your not”. You don’t know me, I’m 22, I wear swimsuits to the pool. Why do you feel like you can comment on what I can wear?" wrote Osaka who is currently ranked 10th in the world. I just wanna say it’s creeping me out how many people are commenting @ me to maintain my “innocent image” and “don’t try to be someone your not”. You don’t know me, I’m 22, I wear swimsuits to the pool. Why do you feel like you can comment on what I can wear? — NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) July 26, 2020 × As per a Forbes report in May, Osaka surpassed tennis legend Serena Williams to bag an annual earning of $34.4 million to become the highest paid female athlete in the world. The two-time Grand Slam winner also reportedly earned $1.4 million more in prize money and endorsement than Williams in the last 12 months. ALSO READ: Tokyo opens empty Olympics venues up for public use Not only that, Osaka also broke the record for most money earned in a single year by a female athlete, shattering the record held by retired tennis star Maria Sharapova, who had earned a whopping $29.7 million in 2015. Osaka, a two-time Grand Slam champion, ranks No. 29 on the 2020 Forbes list of the world’s 100 top-paid athletes while Williams is No. 33.

Tennis star Naomi Osaka upset on criticism over swimsuit photographs, says 'it's creeping me out'

World number one tennis player Novak Djokovic has returned back to training after recovering from COVID-19. Boris Bosnjakovic, the head coach of Novak Tennis Centre in Belgrade, took to social media platform Instagram to post photographs of the Serbian ace going about his business along with Filip Krajinovic.

World number one tennis player Novak Djokovic has returned back to training after recovering from COVID-19. Boris Bosnjakovic, the head coach of Novak Tennis Centre in Belgrade, took to social media platform Instagram to post photographs of the Serbian ace going about his business along with Filip Krajinovic. Djokovic was one of the several players who had tested positive for coronavirus during the ill-fated Adria tour. The 17-time Grand Slam winner was central to widespread criticism for the lack of social distancing measures during the course of the event. ALSO READ: Blame me but leave Novak Djokovic alone: Serbian Prime Minister boris_bosnjakovic_professional's profile picture boris_bosnjakovic_professional 40 posts 430 followers 366 following Boris Bošnjaković NOVAK TENNIS CENTER Head Coach @novak.tennis.center www.novaktenniscenter.com POSTS IGTV TAGGED Instagram Search Search 3 subhayan_chakraborty's profile picture ABOUTHELPPRESSAPIJOBSPRIVACYTERMSLOCATIONSTOP ACCOUNTSHASHTAGSLANGUAGE English © 2020 INSTAGRAM FROM FACEBOOK Next boris_bosnjakovic_professional's profile picture boris_bosnjakovic_professional • Novak Tennis Center boris_bosnjakovic_professional's profile picture boris_bosnjakovic_professional No1e with our fitness guru Zoran Grbović and our coach Branislav Pralica 5d irina.leon5's profile picture irina.leon5 Wow👏👌👍🏼🙌🔥 4dReply irina.leon5's profile picture irina.leon5 Какие парни!!!🔥👏👍🏼🙌 4dReply 5 DAYS AGO Add a comment… View this post on Instagram No1e with our fitness guru Zoran Grbović and our coach Branislav Pralica A post shared by Boris Bošnjaković (@boris_bosnjakovic_professional) on Jul 16, 2020 at 1:30pm PDT Include caption By using this embed, you agree to Instagram's API Terms of Use . × ALSO READ: Novak Djokovic's faulty serve to the tennis world The Serb apologized for his decision to hold the event while announcing that he along with his girlfriend had tested positive for the dreaded virus. While many supported him for what they saw as unfair criticism, others including the likes of Nick Kyrgios slammed Djokovic and other participants for their behavior. "I knew Roger would step up to the plate when there were discussions on the prize money of the Grand Slams a while ago," French veteran Gilles Simon told L'Equipe. "But the impression I have is that we lost him on the way, that the representation of the players does not matter to him. If there is a voice that carries, it is his. View this post on Instagram Novak Djokovic & Filip Krajinović had a great practice today @novak.tennis.center @lacoste @headtennis_official @asics @krajinovic_filip #headtennis #lacostetennis #tennis #atp A post shared by Boris Bošnjaković (@boris_bosnjakovic_professional) on Jul 16, 2020 at 12:03pm PDT × "I see Djokovic like any human being, with his strengths and flaws. But with Roger Federer, we only talk about his strengths. With Novak a" only about his flaws. It would annoy everyone if Djokovic breaks Federer's records. It angers people that he (Djokovic) is so strong. "It can also be seen in the crowd, on the court, in the Australian Open final. The anger against Novak is a huge mistake. Much of the public doesn't consider him as (important as) Roger or Rafa (Nadal)."

Novak Djokovic back in training after COVID-19 recovery ahead of US Open

Iconic tennis megastar Serena Williams is set to make her return to the WTA tour at a new hardcourt tournament, which is scheduled to be played in Kentucky in August, organisers confirmed on Thursday.

The Top Seed Open said that 23-time Grand Slam winner – Williams – and 2017 US Open Winner Sloane Stephens will be on the field when play commences on August 10.

It is to be noted that Williams hasn’t taken the court since representing the United States in the Fed Cup in February, before the WTA tour along with almost every global sport had to shut down due to COVID-19 pandemic.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/st-nick-how-combustible-kyrgios-became-voice-of-reason-313978" hreflang="en">'St. Nick' - how combustible Kyrgios became 'voice of reason'</a>

Both the WTA tour and the men’s ATP tour are scheduled to restart in August after a prolonged break due to coronavirus.

Williams has already confirmed her plans to enter the next scheduled Grand Slam tournament – the US Open – which is slated to begin in New York in August 31.

The Kentucky tournament was one of the two new events confirmed by the WTA chief executive Steve Simon last week as additions to the tour’s revamped calendar. WTA is scheduled to resume with the Palermo Open in Italy starting on August 3.

Tennis world was rocked when <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-am-deeply-sorry-we-were-wrong-novak-djokovic-issues-apology-on-adria-tour-after-testing-positive-for-coronavirus-308169">Novak Djokovic along with Grigor Dimitrov, Boran Coric and Viktor Troicki were tested positive for the dreaded virus</a> after the completion of the ill-fated Adria Tour.

While all of them have apologized, it remains to be seen how tennis world copes up with the health protocols and safety measures when WTA and ATP tour resume in August. 
&nbsp;

Iconic tennis megastar Serena Williams is set to make her return to the WTA tour at a new hardcourt tournament, which is scheduled to be played in Kentucky in August, organisers confirmed on Thursday.

Iconic tennis megastar Serena Williams is set to make her return to the WTA tour at a new hardcourt tournament, which is scheduled to be played in Kentucky in August, organisers confirmed on Thursday. The Top Seed Open said that 23-time Grand Slam winner – Williams – and 2017 US Open Winner Sloane Stephens will be on the field when play commences on August 10. It is to be noted that Williams hasn’t taken the court since representing the United States in the Fed Cup in February, before the WTA tour along with almost every global sport had to shut down due to COVID-19 pandemic. ALSO READ: 'St. Nick' - how combustible Kyrgios became 'voice of reason' Both the WTA tour and the men’s ATP tour are scheduled to restart in August after a prolonged break due to coronavirus. Williams has already confirmed her plans to enter the next scheduled Grand Slam tournament – the US Open – which is slated to begin in New York in August 31. The Kentucky tournament was one of the two new events confirmed by the WTA chief executive Steve Simon last week as additions to the tour’s revamped calendar. WTA is scheduled to resume with the Palermo Open in Italy starting on August 3. Tennis world was rocked when Novak Djokovic along with Grigor Dimitrov, Boran Coric and Viktor Troicki were tested positive for the dreaded virus after the completion of the ill-fated Adria Tour. While all of them have apologized, it remains to be seen how tennis world copes up with the health protocols and safety measures when WTA and ATP tour resume in August.

Serena Williams to play inaugural Kentucky tournament

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