New York, June 4 (IANS) The US Open should not take place if even one qualified player cannot play in it due to travel restrictions, according Rajeev Ram. The 2020 Australian Open men’s doubles winner also said that players won’t feel comfortable playing the Grand Slam if a vaccine hasn’t been found for the coronavirus pandemic.
“We can’t have the US Open until everyone who has qualified for the event is in a position to travel to the event, until that happens we are going to be at a standstill,” the 36-year-old American told Wion.
The organisers are mulling shifting the Cincinnati Open to New York so as to host the two events back to back. Ram said that this will be possible only if the authorities can ensure the safety of everyone involved.
“As far as holding the back-to-back events are concerned, the idea sounds good as long as the authorities can ensure the safety of everyone involved,” he said.
“I don’t think it would be fair for the tournament to go ahead if players can’t make it due to travel restrictions. Even if one player who has qualified cannot make it to the US Open because of some travel regulations, then I believe it should not go ahead.
“For the tournament to take place, a safe and secure environment must be created and the competition should also be fair on all tennis players.”
The pandemic forced the cancellation of Wimbledon earlier in the year. It was the first time the grass court Grand Slam had been cancelled since the Second World War.
–IANS
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