‘Unsportsmanlike Conduct’ From Dominic Thiem As He Violates COVID-19 Protocol at US Open 2020

After the Wimbledon Championships were called off, rumors of the other Grand Slams to suffer the same fate were at an all-time high. However, the USTA has worked efficiently to organize a perfectly safe environment for the players and officials to compete in the tournament.

As a means of protocol, the US Open 2020 is underway without the fans. However, there has been a violation of COVID-19 protocols. Austrian player Dominic Thiem was involved, and the act was condemned by the USTA.

Denouncing the incident as a “modern ‘unsportsmanlike conduct’ violation” Mike Dickson tweeted about the incident.

“A thoroughly modern ‘unsportsmanlike conduct’ violation at US Open for Dominic Thiem while he wasn’t playing yesterday.” The USTA too gave an explanation for the incident. ‘Player entourage violating COVID-19 protocols in regards to universal masking.’

In addition, he has been fined $1,500 as a penalty for his transgressions.

Dominic Thiem on thin ice

The incident is really a setback for the organizers. Considering how organizing one of the greatest showdowns in the world of tennis while facing a pandemic situation is a mammoth task.

However, the USTA did remarkably well to ensure safety within the Grand Slam.

Players and authorities were bombarded with a series of hefty rules and regulations, which were of course meant for their own safety. Protective ‘bubbles’ were set up and sanitized. Even the players traveling to New York found it safe and gave positive feedback regarding the arrangements.

Some of the players decided to skip this year’s US Open, however, most of the ranked players are participating. Organizing a Grand Slam amidst a pandemic crisis is historical. However, the USTA as well as the individual players should be looking forward to adhering to the rules and regulations in a bid to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

The incident that occurred with Dominic Thiem is surely a violation. Given the fact that these violations can trigger greater consequences, Thiem as well as others will have to be careful from now on.