Jamie Murray unsure of participation at US Open following concerns over European return

Tennis News
Friday, 10 July 2020 at 09:45
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With just two weeks between the US Open final and the start of the French Open, it's fair to say the revised ATP schedule is pretty tight. Coupled with two Masters 1000 events in-between, it comes as no surprise that some players like Jamie Murray have doubts regarding their participation at all events.

The Brit raised his concerns over defending his mixed doubles title at the US Open, which he won with American Bethanie Mattek-Sands. Although the Madrid Open is scheduled to begin on the final day of the US Open, the situation could be complicated by EU travel rules. Due to the coronavirus crisis, there is the potential for anyone traveling from the US into Europe to quarantine for two weeks. Therefore, finalists at Flushing Meadows would be unable to play a clay-court match prior to the start of Roland Garros.
Murray admitted if that's the case, then he's likely to skip the hard-court Grand Slam.
"Truthfully, it’s difficult for me to say," said Murray regarding his participation in New York. "A lot will depend on what you can do once you finish the tournament in terms of getting to Europe. ‘If for example, if I have the option of playing one Masters Series and one Grand Slam – or two Masters Series and one Grand Slam because of quarantines – then I will choose two Masters Series and one Grand Slam. If you cannot do both.
And I’d imagine for the ATP it would be very difficult to support the US Open going ahead if the draw has to quarantine coming back to Europe where they have two Masters Series and another Grand Slam. So, I am sure there will be some interesting conversations to be had in the next few weeks. Obviously if everything goes ahead and is safe but we don’t know just now."

The ATP and US Open organizers could clash over these decisions

Murray admitted those talks between the ATP and the US Open could ‘come to a head’ in the coming weeks, while expressing his frustration at the lack of communication from governing bodies amid the crisis.
"I mean I haven’t talked to a lot of players about it. But it seems they have regressed in the States and there are a lot more cases coming up again." said Murray. "I don’t know what it is like in New York. Certainly other States have been struggling. The curve has been going back up or whatever. In New York they are talking quarantines for people from certain States of America.
And then there is the EU saying if you have been in the US you cannot go back, you need to do a quarantine from the States. If they are incredibly strict with that and everyone has to do, then if you go to play the US Open and you cannot play in Madrid or Rome, you will have no preparation to play the French Open.
I think that will potentially come to a head soon with the ATP and US Open depending on what those restrictions and policies that are in place. I’d imagine the next few weeks would be pretty interesting."
Murray is not the only player unsure of his US Open status, as World No.1 Novak Djokovic has expressed his uncertainty over participation. Furthermore, defending champion Rafael Nadal has publicly committed to playing in Madrid but is yet to confirm his plans for the US Open.
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