Back in March, September’s US Open tennis event seemed like a pipe dream. Despite no-shows like Rafael Nadal, a recuperating Roger Federer, and such top women’s players as women’s No. 1 Ashleigh Barty, former French Open and reigning Wimbledon champion Simona Halep, No. 5 Elina Svitotolina and current US Open champ Bianca Andreescu, the tournament is taking place as planned – and is entering round 4 with such top players as Novak Djokavic and Serena Williams still alive.
The United States Tennis Association has taken every precaution imaginable to work toward a safe tournament – including no fans, no media, and frequent COVID-19 tests for all players, who are essentially required to live in a bubble. At a press conference before the tournament, Michael Dowse, CEO and executive director of the USTA; Stacey Allaster, USTA chief executive of professional tennis, US Open tournament director; and Dr. Bernard Camins, medical director for infection prevention for the Mt. Sinai Health Systems, member of the USTA Medical Advisory Group, detailed the multi-tiered system in place for players and guests, tournament officials, broadcasters and event staff. The system was set up to limit interactions.
Full Story (Jerusalem Post)
