US Open to take place without fans

Jun 16, 2020
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US Open to take place without fans

Published Jun 16, 2020

As the world awaited official confirmation of the 2020 US Open, Bianca Andreescu was enjoying a  reunion with her (personalized) 2019 trophy.

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Andreescu won the US Open last year by stunning Serena Williams and becoming the first Canadian singles Grand Slam champion in history.

On Wednesday, the USTA announced plans for a drastically different US Open with no fans, no qualifying draw, a reduced doubles draw and limited entourages to help hold the tournament safely. The ATP and WTA restart plans include a men's only Citi Open in Washington, D.C. followed by Cincinnati moving to New York City for the week before the US Open.

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Serena Williams made a celebrity appearance during the virtual conference, which was held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center but broadcast without media or spectators on site.

“So this announcement has been on my mind all day. But ultimately I really cannot wait to return in New York and play the US Open 2020,” Serena  said. “I feel like USTA is going to do a really good job of ensuring everything is amazing, everything is perfect and everyone is safe. It's going to be exciting.

The US Open will look very different with no fans, no qualifying draw, limited entourages, no media, regular COVID-19 testing, and many, many safety restrictions.

“I’ll certainly miss the fans, don't get me wrong,” Serena said. “Just being out there in that New York crowd and hear everyone cheer, I'll really miss that and getting me through some of those tough matches. This is crazy, I'm excited though."

The six-time US Open champion has been training though not just on any ordinary hard court. She put down a brand-new court in her backyard featuring the same surface that the US Open (and now also the Cincinnati Open, which is relocating to Flushing Meadows) will use.

Check out the latest episode of the TENNIS.com Podcast with Christina McHale:

US Open to take place without fans

US Open to take place without fans

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