“They Will Come to Regret It”: Former World No.1 Disappointed With WTA Stars Missing US Open 2020

Former World number 1, Boris Becker rallied a set of questions all related to the US Open 2020. The Wimbledon Open was called off due to the COVID-19 situation. However, the US Open announced the return of tennis to its highest arena. Although a number of players chose to stay out of the tournament. Former World number 1, Boris Becker chose to speak out on the issue and he seemed disappointed.

A fair number of players are missing in action in New York. However, the void is greater in the WTA. The German believes that the pages of history would mention the Winner of the 2020 edition of the US Open but not mark it special owing to the pulling out of the players.

“I have to say I am surprised and disappointed that six out of the top 10 women are not going to be there, and I hope they will come to regret it. In five years I do not believe people will look back on this Grand Slam and say ‘well, not everyone was playing’ – I do not go along with this idea of an asterisk being alongside the 2020 Open in the history books”, he said.

US Open 2020 is indeed a challenge

Becker admits that the present situation is critical for everyone. Considering the ongoing pandemic, he terms it as one of the “hardest” events. It is not easy to withstand this critical situation and emerge as the winner of a Grand Slam. It requires the guts to do so and the German admits it as well.

“In time this will be recalled as one of the hardest events to win because of everything that was going on around it and the conditions it was played in. It is going to be huge for whoever wins the titles. I am sorry that so many of the top women are not in New York. I am the first to appreciate how much they bring to these tournaments and think they should be paid the same as the men, but some of them have reacted a little bit selfishly.”

Some of the best players would be missing the Grand Slam

Heavyweight players such as Ashleigh Barty, Simona Halep, Bianca Andreescu, Kiki Bertens, and Elina Svitolina will be missed from the US Open 2020. Although local girl Serena Williams will be present and look forward to her 24th Grand Slam title.

In the men’s section, the big two would be missing. Roger Federer is sidelined following a post-operation recovery phase. Whereas, Rafael Nadal opted out to concentrate on his arena- the French Open.

The US Open 2020 is historic considering the social conditions prevailing all around. However, the USTA has done a fine job in screening and confining players in a safe environment. Although a long list of names is missing, yet the US Open won’t be lacking in entertainment. As the draw stands, we might have two new Grand Slam holders at the end of the tournament.