US Open Does Not Need ‘Big 3’ Says Feliciano Lopez

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) is sparing no effort to hold the US Open 2020 during the unprecedented situation due to the coronavirus pandemic. Consequently, many top players including Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal raised concern over traveling to New York.

However, former World No.12 Feliciano Lopez believes that the US Open should go ahead event without the ‘Big 3’. He also respected the reluctance of the players who do not want to travel with a limited entourage. However, he is ready to play the US Open if the organizers give it a green light.

“Speaking about myself, I will go and play. I think the US Open they know they might be many players that don’t want to go and play there. I think they know already. They are thinking about that,” Lopez told a group of journalists in a zoom call as quoted by Metro Sport.

However, he explained that the US Open is not depending on only the top players playing. Lopez feels there are a lot of things that will force the US Open to happen.

“ATP is also struggling economically” – Feliciano Lopez

“Of course, it will be great if they can have Roger, Rafa, Novak, and all the big names. My personal opinion is that they are planning to have the event thinking that some of the top players. I don’t know how many might not play,” he acknowledged.

The Spaniard also suggested that it is not the time to think about two or three players. However, he thinks it is time to think about everybody and not only the players, but it is also the tournaments and the ATP.

“Remember that the ATP is also struggling economically if tournaments are not happening. It is four or five months already, it is very, very long,” he continued.

“We need to start rolling I think for the benefit of everyone almost. But I respect that Roger or Rafa or Novak, they don’t want to go and play the US Open in those specific conditions. I respect it – I think this is fair also,” Lopez added.

However, he still feels that the US Open has to happen and it would be great for tennis, it would be great for the majority of the players given the circumstances that all players are going through.

Read More: “He Did Not Tell Anyone Not to Play” – Novak Djokovic’s Coach Defends His Opinion on US Open

The ATP is expected to take a final decision today on how the remaining calendar will look like and will the US Open take place or not.