Skip to content

US Open to take place without fans as part of New York reopening, governor confirms

Andrew Cuomo tweets to say tournament will go ahead from August 31 to September 13

Rafael Nadal is one away from tying Roger Federer's haul of 20 Grand Slam titles
Image: Rafael Nadal is the defending US Open champion

The US Open will be held in late August as part of New York's reopening from shutdowns caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Governor Andrew Cuomo has confirmed.

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) had said plans were in place for this year's US Open - scheduled to begin on August 31 until September 13 - to go ahead at Flushing Meadows in New York pending government approval.

Were excited about the US Open, (which) is going to be held in Queens, August 31 through September 13. It will be held without fans, but you can watch it on TV and I'll take that.
NY Governor Andrew Cuomo

"The US Open will be held in Queens, NY, without fans from August 31 to September 13," Cuomo tweeted.

"The USTA will take extraordinary precautions to protect players and staff, including robust testing, additional cleaning, extra locker room space, and dedicated housing & transportation."

The Western & Southern Open, which was due to take place in Cincinnati from August 15-23, will now take place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Arthur Ashe Stadium is pictured ahead of the start of 2017 US Open tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New Yor
Image: Arthur Ashe stadium will have no spectators in its 23,771 capacity

Players including Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Nick Kyrgios and Simona Halep have expressed doubts over playing in this year's competition.

World No 1 Djokovic said proposed protocols in place were "extreme".

Also See:

British No 1 Dan Evans urged Djokovic and Nadal to take part in order to help lower-ranked players survive the coronavirus crisis financially.

All sanctioned competition has been suspended by the ATP, WTA and International Tennis Federation since March and is on hold until late July.

Don't forget to follow us on skysports.com/tennis, our Twitter account @skysportstennis & Sky Sports - on the go! Available to download now on - iPhone & iPad and Android

Around Sky