In great contrast to the promising plans declared for the US Open, the Association of Tennis Professionals has canceled the Citi Open, which was set to take place in mid-August.
The continued uncertainty of America’s control over the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in far too many obstacles for the event to be cleared, such as travel restrictions and the recent upward trend in COVID-19 cases.
With this decision out to the public, a lot of ambiguity sits around the events still in the clear. If one event that was supposed to precede the US Open was canceled, how secure are the Western and Southern Opens, and the economies and revenue of Southwestern Ohio that this tournament brings?
Considering any event must face the same obstacles, what are these other events doing to be more confident in continuing with their plans? Will the Western and Southern Opens fail, leaving the US Open to cut their losses? One could only wish to be a fly on the wall in Cincinnati right now.
In the public statement from the United States Tennis Association, there is a need for a promised “safe and controlled environment,” yet this obviously cannot be confirmed until tennis balls fly across the court.
As more states are added to travel advisory lists, the risks only seem to grow stronger.
On top of the stress of sorting out logistics, some star players have also raised an understandable commotion.
Novak Djokovic – recently diagnosed with COVID-19 due to his unsafe Adria Tour hosting – is no fan of following the rules. He has expressed his frustration over “extreme” limits on entourages and being tucked away in medical hotel “bubbles” instead of being allowed to explore Manhattan.
At the other end of the spectrum, Rafael Nadal fears the thought of international travel. During a Zoom conference, he made his stance very clear: “If you ask me today if I want to travel today to New York to play a tennis tournament, I will say no.”
Of course, he is not the only one: Stan Wawrinka and Roger Federer have expressed similar fears, as well as lingering criticism toward Djokovic for the Adria Tour’s lack of safety.
Despite the many stressors circling these future events, there is a strong feeling of admiration for the efforts being put in to make them possible. It revives the strong passion for sports that many hold and have been missing throughout this unprecedented period in time.
However, Djokovic brings up a question worth listening to: “They want the tournament to go ahead at any cost for economic reasons . . . But, how many players are willing to accept those terms?”
Aside from the scenario of a player not showing up, those that do will have no audience. To keep numbers small in facilities, there will be no press. Players will quietly battle in a completely different atmosphere than they have ever experienced.
So, what really is the point?
Obviously, this extends beyond the players. It may not be something we are constantly aware of, but sports truly are at the center of this nation.
Student athletes make their way into top colleges, even if their grades or test scores are out of the typical range, while the less athletic study for endless hours. Professional athletes earn millions of dollars to play as schools struggle to keep their doors open and provide proper education.
With endless people laid off during this pandemic, people actually have time to open their eyes. Wouldn’t this be the perfect time to rethink what is deemed important, especially during a pandemic that has lasted for endless months and left society in shambles?
Empty sporting events that require giving more money to the millionaires certainly should take the back seat. America is in need of a lot of healing.
