Rafael Nadal has announced he will be skipping the event, while Roger Federer is out for the rest of the season due to knee surgery. The WTA is also missing several stars like Ashleigh Barty, Simona Halep and Elina Svitolina, who have chosen to avoid the United States citing health concerns.

In an interview with the New York Times, Djokovic revealed that he almost chose not to fly out to New York.

"I was very close to not coming," the Serbian stated. "There were a lot of uncertainties. And there still are, yeah, a lot of things that are not really clear. I want to play. I mean that's why I’m here. I am personally not afraid of being in a risky, dangerous health situation for myself."

The reigning Australian Open champion has rented a home near New York City, as opposed to staying in the "hotel bubble" where the majority of the players are housed.

"I am cautious of course, and I have to be responsible and of course respect the regulations and rules and restrictions as anybody else. But things are unpredictable. Anything can happen in the tennis court or off the tennis court."

The 33-year old, who has won the event on three occasions, added that he felt a responsibility to play at the Grand Slam event.

"I cannot say it's the main reason why I’m here, but it's one of the reasons," he said. "First of all, I have to think about myself and my health and my fitness and whether my team is okay to be here. Once that was checked, then I of course also felt responsible as a top player to be here. It's important for our sport to keep going."

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