With the coronavirus pandemic clearing the tennis calendar in 2020, the official bodies of the sport have come up with a tough alternative. Their plans are for two Grand Slams that are scheduled just two weeks apart. In addition, clay tournaments were also organized in Madrid and Rome in fifteen days. Clearly, this does not allow professionals to breathe and, consequently, the best players like Dominic Thiem will choose their tournaments wisely and will give their best in every game they play.
The rich tennis calendar of 2020 obliges Thiem to play only one Grand Slam of the two. Probably twice a finalist in defense of Roland Garros Thiem could consider playing in Paris during the US Open. In addition, clay is its preferred surface.
Dominic Thiem provides an adequate explanation for skipping a Slam this year
“First of all, it’s nice that the French Open is taking place. It doesn’t matter if in May or October. The only problem is that there are only two weeks between the US Open and the French Open – it will be almost impossible to go far with both. “ he told TT.
“If I play the US Open really well, the French Open will be very, very difficult. However, flying to New York early would be better for Paris. I have to sacrifice one of the two Grand Slams, it’s like this right now. ” (the quotes have been translated from German)
Another attempt to withdraw from the US Open
Additionally, defending US Open champion Rafael Nadal raised doubts about the lack of American Slam this year. Tuesday announced its participation in the Mutua Madrid Open 2020 which will take place one day after the end of the US Open.
Hence, it is difficult for Rafa to make an instant transition from difficult fields to clay courts. In addition, he has to fly from New York to Madrid for a few days. These factors will simply have an impact on your rest period between major tennis tour events.
In addition, 12-time French Open champion Nadal will do his best to win his favorite Slam in Paris. The Spaniard will endeavor to show his perfect form at the event. So in the end, all these parameters nullify his chances of playing the US Open 2020.
To find out more – Rafael Nadal expresses doubts about the participation of the US Open after having committed to Mutua Madrid Open 2020
World number two Nadal is more likely to join the likes of world number three Dominic Thiem and could sacrifice one of the slams in 2020. Probably for the elite clay marches on the men’s tour Rafa and Dominic could circumvent the US Open.
