Djokovic looking forward to US Open and Roland Garros: "I’m extremely happy and excited to see that all the tournaments are organising their events"

Novak Djokovic has spoke of his delight that the ATP Tour will restart with both the US Open and Roland Garros set to take place despite it potentially being played behind closed doors.

Djokovic who's potential involvement seemed in doubt like fellow Big Three member, Rafael Nadal has said that despite there still being obstacles to overcome; there is time to do so and that he hopes every player who has the opportunity to play does.

"I’m extremely happy and excited to see that all the tournaments; especially Grand Slams, are organising their events," he said on the Tennis Legends podcast.

"I think that a lot of people were sceptical, especially for the US events considering what the US went through as a country during this pandemic. So a lot of people, including myself; were quite sceptical on whether it would happen or not.

"Obviously the regulations and measures as of today are quite strict, I must say. With quarantine and with some players; especially those from South America, not being able to travel out of their countries to come to the States. Hopefully that will change: the ATP and the USTA, everyone is working on it. The worst case scenario is that it remains like this, but there is time.

"Hopefully every single player who is participating, chosen by ranking and who deserves their place at the US Open; will have an equal opportunity to travel there and compete as everybody else. This is very, very important because this is the foundation of the ATP and the foundation of international tennis.

"We will all collectively try to make sure that this is the priority. Let’s hope that in the next two months some of those restrictions will loosen up a bit and that we will have a great, great tournament.

Roland Garros involvement

In terms of Roland Garros, Djokovic said that he 'can't wait' to return to Paris and that he is glad that previous issues regarding scheduling were sorted.

"Of course, Roland Garros moved to different dates in the calendar; I am glad that they were able to put everything together because I understand the complications and the challenges that are behind tournament organisation," he said.

"It is great that we have a roof, obviously, on Philippe Chatrier this year, so those are the positive things and I look forward to it. I mean it’s one of the most important and one of the nicest tournaments in the world. I always enjoy playing there and I can’t wait to go back."

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