Google News
Greek tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas thinks tennis should return when things get back to normal as he is not a fan of the idea of staging events behind the closed doors. The ATP initially suspended the Tour for six weeks on March 12 due to the coronavirus pandemic but since then the suspension was extended through July 31.
Earlier during the pandemic, there wasn't too much optimism that the season would resume but since then the chances of resuming the season have improved. "My personal view is that it is important to have these tournaments with people and not in front of empty stands," Tsitsipas told SDNA.
"Say you win such a big event as a Grand Slam. Without fans, adrenaline is not the same, the feeling is not the same. Fans are the one that bring energy, fill the stadiums and create the atmosphere we have. It could, of course, be a tournament without people, but it would not offer the same feeling, the same intensity."
Stefanos Tsitsipas understand the financial aspect
The US Open organizers are keen on staging the event this year and they are still aiming to host the event as initially scheduled from August 31 - September 13.
"For me, they have to wait until things get normal again, get back to the pace we were before and not think about the financial part, which is definitely the biggest factor. For example, in the US Open there are a lot of sponsors, a lot of financial interests and that's why I think they want the tournament to take place.
And I totally understand that, but for me it's important that they wait until we get back to normal and that everything goes smoothly, without the big changes we're not used to playing with. And, of course, we don't know what to expect from that," Tsitsipas said.
The US Open organizers would fly players over to the United States, where they would have to follow strict health restrictions. "I would describe the trip to New York as very dark, metaphorically. Playing in a cloud, without any life," Tsitsipas said.
Stefanos Tsitsipas, ranked at No. 6 in the world, hasn't yet had any deep runs at the US Open as his lone two appearances at Flushing Meadows ended with a first round and second round loss.