The number one in world tennis, Novak Djokovic, announced today that it will participate in the Western & Southern Open tournaments and the US Open, to be held later this month in New York. “I am pleased to be able to confirm my participation in the Western & Southern Open and the US Open this year,” Djokovic said on his website.
“It has not been easy to make the decision, especially considering all the obstacles and challenges, but I am glad that again I will be able to compete on the tennis court “, declared the tennis player.
The Serbian does not follow in the footsteps of Rafa Nadal, who a few days ago announced that he would not be at the United States Open due to the risk of contagion from the coronavirus. “I respect the players who want to go to the US Open to win their money, but I don’t know if it’s the right thing to do“, he assured.
“Then, a matter of personal spirit. The situation is as it is, and my spirit was not like traveling to New York and compete. If I am going to compete, it is to have all my senses put in the competition and perform to the maximum, and today it would have been complicated, “he said.
Djokovic will arrive the next day 15 to New York. In that city he has played some of his best games, he stressed. “I am aware that this time everything will be very different due to numerous protocols and security measures planned for the protection (against coronavirus infections) of the tennis players and people in the organization,” said Djokovic.
He expressed his willingness to adapt to the new conditions, and, after stating that he has trained a lot, he said he is in good shape to face the resumption of the season after the break due to the pandemic that began in March.
Recovered from coronavirus
Djokovic, infected with the COVID-19 last June during a charity tournament that he organized in Belgrade and Zadar (Croatia), he indicated that he has undergone medical examinations to ensure his full recovery.
He noted that he feels “prepared to return to the court focused on playing the best tennis.” “I respect and value everyone who has invested time, effort and energy to organize the two events and enable tennis players to return to their work and competitions, “he said.
He regretted that the current situation does not allow all tennis players to travel and compete, and showed his esperanza that soon everything changes and the players can go back to doing “what they want the most, and that is playing tennis.”
The Western & Southern Open will be held August 22-28 at the Flushing Meadows complex, and the US Open begins August 31st. Both tournaments in New York will be played without a public presence in the stands.
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