Many players are known to travel with a huge entourage by their side at the Grand Slam events. The US Open this year will be different than what is usually seen.
Players prefer having quite a few of their family members as well by their side, along with coaches, physios, trainers, etc. But the current situation due to the coronavirus pandemic has restricted the number of members a player can bring along on their respective teams.
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) took certain measures recently to contain the risk of the coronavirus. Having a lesser number of people on-site is important to that cause.
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Maximum three-member entourage at US Open
Players can have a maximum entourage of three persons with them at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
A player can have only one person accompanying him/her at the practice courts and competition courts. This also applies to the locker rooms and the dining facilities. The locker rooms are also allowed to have only 30 player members at one time.
Player entourages will be also be tested every three days.
Strict rules against leaving the bubble
In addition to this, the rules also state that if a player’s coach or one of the other guests leaves the secure bubble without permission, their credentials will be revoked.
The said member will also have to leave the tournament hotel within 24 hours and will be fined as well. The member will also be banned from getting a credential for the 2021 US Open.
Rules if player’s roommate tests positive
Also, if a player’s roommate tests positive for coronavirus, there will be a mandatory quarantine period of 14 days. The player will also be taken out of the draw.
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It was reported last week, that the USTA had decided that a player will be disqualified from the US Open if a player’s team member was found COVID-19 positive.
The players had strongly opposed these rules. They had communicated the same to the ATP and USTA in an online meeting held between them.
The updated guidelines also state that a player who tests positive upon arrival for the event can still compete, provided they complete the necessary isolation and receive medical clearance.
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Source – Lob and Smash
Also read – All You Need to Know About US Open 2020 Roof Rules