Everything around the US Open ‘bubble’ is different this year. Following the COVID-19 break tennis resumed but with hefty rules and regulations. The Wimbledon Championship was called off this year and it was anticipated others will follow suit as well. However, the US Open 2020 marked the return of tennis to its highest ordeals. Although some of the biggest names such as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will be missed.
The USTA and ATP imposed hefty regulations keeping the player safety in mind. Special protective zones were created exclusively for the players. Maintaining the protocol, the US Open 2020 matches are being conducted in almost empty stands. For extreme protection of the players and the authorities, no one is being allowed near the venue.
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To keep up with the needs and demands of the players, arrangements have been made near their stay. Some of these people have been given the allowance to remain within the premises. The experience is new for them altogether.
Linden Pride the co-owner of Dante West Village AKA ‘World’s best bar‘ had been asked to set up a temporary bar outside the player’s stay. A fan of Roger Federer, he speaks on the new experience he’s having this year.
“I loved Roger Federer before, but this year, since we are doing to-go cocktails, he ordered a huge Negroni pack from Dante that we sent to Switzerland. That made me like him even more. The fact that he isn’t playing this year is devastating.”
Roger Federer will be missed
The US Open 2020 is going down on the history books. Conducting a tennis tournament amidst a pandemic outbreak is not easy. However, the USTA and ATP worked real hard to get things going. Apart from a few hiccups here and there, everything seems to be sailing pretty smoothly.
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The only deficit in the US Open 2020 would be the absence of some of the big names in the tennis world. Both the ATP and the WTA are losing some of the prolific players. While some are sidelined due to injury, others chose to stay away due to the pandemic crisis.
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US Open 2019 Champion, Rafael Nadal decided to skip the Flushing Meadows in preparation for the Roland Garros. However, Roger Federer is sidelined following surgery on his knees. Even though the US Open 2020 is a success, the presence of these two legends would’ve made it a bit more enthralling.