Jamie Murray highlights logistical nightmare players and organisers face ahead of US Open

US Open
Empty Arthur Ashe Stadium at Flushing Meadows - US Open

Jamie Murray has warned that tennis’ powers that be and players still face several challengers ahead of the 2020 US Open.

This year’s hard-court Grand Slam at Flushing Meadows has been given the green light, but it will be played without fans while strict health and safety protocols are to be introduced to minimise coronavirus risks.

Although the likes of 23-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams and defending champion Bianca Andreescu have committed to the event, world No 2 Simona Halep has admitted as things stand she is unlikely to play.

Rafael Nadal has also previously stated that he is not sure if he will compete while Novak Djokovic, after initially indicating that he might also skip the tournament, appears to have had a change of heart.

Reigning mixed doubles US Open champion Murray himself has admitted that he could give the event a miss and highlighted the possible problems facing officials and players.

Jamie Murray admits he could skip US Open to ramp up preparations for Roland Garros

“There might also be players who can’t even travel out of their country at that stage,” he told Sky Sports News in an interview.

“There might even be people coming in from countries who aren’t allowed to come into the US as well.

“It is tough, what if you have 128 players but 20 or 30 of those that are ranked high enough to be in the main draw aren’t allowed to come to the tournament. What do you do with that?

“It is unfair to then start potentially awarding Grand Slam points, prize money and stuff when a bunch of players can’t actually get themselves to the tournament. That is something that they obviously need to look at as well.

“At the end of the day there will still be a lot of players out there that still want the opportunity to go and compete and have the chance to go and earn Grand Slam prize money regardless of the tournament set up.”

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Jamie Murray

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