ANDY READY TO RUN THE RISK OF VIRUS
ANDY MURRAY admits he is taking a risk playing in the US Open during the pandemic but insists he has missed too many big tournaments already.
The former world No.1 will play at Flushing Meadow on August 31 after a warm-up at the Western & Southern Open in New York the week before.
Murray had voiced reservations about travelling to the US but is determined to add to his three Grand Slam singles matches since hobbling out of Wimbledon in 2017.
“The situation I’ve been in last few years I’ve not had opportunity to play in many Slams, I don’t know how many opportunities I’ll have,” he said.
“So while I’m feeling relatively decent, obviously there is a risk there but I want to try and play in them and enjoy the biggest events again.
“I missed that a lot, I’ve missed it. I love playing the biggest events, even though this will be different with no fans but that is something I care about and willing to take a risk to go.”
But Nick Kyrgios (right) said he was giving Flushing Meadow a miss “for my Aussies and the hundreds and thousands of Americans who have lost their lives”.
The Australian has been vocal in his condemnation of players, including world No.1 Novak Djokovic (above) and Croatia’s Borna Coric, who took part in the ill-fated Adria Tour during lockdown.
The tournament in Serbia was organised by Djokovic and ignored social distancing protocols, with players videoed at a nightclub before a number of them tested positive for coronavirus.
Reading an open letter to camera, Kyrgios said: “Dear Tennis, let us take a breath here and remember what is important, which is health and safety as a community.
“I’ve got no problem with the USTA putting on the US Open and if players want to go, that’s up to them.
“But tennis players, you have to act in the interests of each other and work together.
“You can’t be dancing on tables, money-grabbing your way around Europe or trying to make a quick buck hosting the next exhibition. That’s just so selfish.
“Think of the other people for once. That’s what this virus is about. It doesn’t care about your world ranking or how much money you have. Act responsibly.”