With the 2020 US Open confirmed for August, there has been a mixed response from players regarding their participation.

WTA World No.2 Simona Halep will not be competing at the event, and there is some doubt regarding Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. However, 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams announced that she will play in the upcoming US Open.

"I really cannot wait to return to New York and play the US Open 2020." Williams said in an exclusive video message on USOpen.org. "I feel like the USTA is going to do a really good job of ensuring that everything is amazing, perfect, and that everyone is safe. It's going to be exciting. It's been over six months since a lot of us have played professional tennis."

With professional tennis set to resume in August, the organizers of the US Open announced that they will host the event in New York. In addition to the US Open, the USTA will also host Western & Southern Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

“These two events are the summer’s biggest tennis blockbusters in the US, and we are thrilled for the players, our fans, and all of our partners, that we will be able to mark the return of tennis,” said Mike Dowse, USTA Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director. "These tournaments also serve as an inspiration to tennis players of all levels, encouraging them to get out and play given the social distancing nature of our sport.”

Furthermore, the USTA released a comprehensive plan to address safety concerns, which has been approved by the New York State government, and will take place without fans in attendance.

"I'll certainly miss the fans," Serena added in her video, "just being out there in front of that New York crowd, hearing everyone cheer. I'll really miss that, having got me through those tough matches. This is crazy, but I'm excited."

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