“We Can’t See Each Other” – Dominic Thiem Reveals Serious Security Precautions at US Open 2020

World No.3 Dominic Thiem has reached New York as the ATP season restarts. The first two tournaments will be at the Flushing Meadows with the Masters 1000 Tournament Cincinnati Open being held before the US Open.

Amid the pandemic, strict protocols are being maintained. Players are being tested before being permitted inside their hotel, where they will effectively be kept in a secured bubble for 3 weeks. There are heavy restrictions on travel and players won’t be allowed to leave the hotel.

Thiem has narrated the whole sequence of events that have happened since he landed in New York. He is traveling with his compatriot Dennis Novak. The players are being given colored bracelets. When they are tested they are given the blue colored one. And when the test result comes negative they are given a green one. Without the green bracelet, they cannot meet anybody and leave the hotel room.

“Yes, the security precautions are already very serious. We are 30 miles away from the city, we don’t even see the city, the airport was completely empty. Then by car to the main hotel, test there, then to the other hotel.” Thiem said as per Kleine Zeitung

“We’re in this Garden Hotel, it’s really nice. We have a nice room with a balcony. Dennis is also in the hotel, but we can’t see each other yet because we did the test yesterday on arrival and have such a blue bracelet, It only changes to green when the negative test result is there. Only then are we allowed to do something. We are only allowed to be in the room now and not even in the gym” Thiem added. (Quotes are translated with Google Translate).

“The Big Goal is to be ready for US Open” – Dominic Thiem

He also said that it will be difficult at first because the players haven’t played in 6 months. And whatever happens in Cincinnati, the ultimate goal is to be fit for the US Open.

“It will be interesting because it will be the first real match for everyone in ages. The big goal then is the US Open and that I’m in the best shape there,” he said.

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The protocols are very serious and tough. So the players will take time adjusting to it. And with that players will have to practice and be prepared. The Cincinnati Open will give the players some valuable match practice in preparation for the US Open.