Murray to bide his time before making decision on US Open

Jamie Murray admits he will monitor events closely in America before deciding whether to play in the US Open.

The doubles specialist is scheduled to head across the Atlantic for the start of the behind-closed-doors Grand Slam event on August 31.

However, with the coronavirus far from being under control in the USA, Murray, a two-time mixed doubles Wimbledon champion, admits he will take stock of the situation before deciding if he wants to return to competitive tennis next month.

Murray, who organised last week’s successful Battle of the Brits event at the Lawn Tennis Association’s National Tennis Centre in Roehampton, said: “The ATP Tour is set to resume in mid-August and the plan for me and Neal Skupski is to play in the behind-closed-doors US Open.

“We probably have to see how things develop over there, hopefully things improve over the next six weeks and the situation eases a bit for the tennis event.

“I’m happy to wait before making a final decision.

“The United States Tennis Association are desperate for it to go ahead and have given the players worst-case scenarios in terms of the conditions they would be playing in. But if the cases started going up in New York State then maybe it won’t be possible to have the event.

“I don’t mind getting on a plane in these conditions, but there aren’t many direct flights to New York yet so that would have to change.

“I’m not worried from a health and safety point of view. If you’re smart and follow the right guidelines, then you’re limiting your chances of picking it up.

“A lot of players will want to get out there and compete, that’s our livelihood and our jobs. It is not going to be perfect conditions but it is still an opportunity to go and play Grand Slam tennis.”

Murray, meanwhile, has expressed his disappointment at Wimbledon not being able to go ahead this year.

The event, which would have started on Monday, was cancelled on health grounds.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Murray, older brother of two-time Wimbledon singles champion Andy, added: “These are incredibly unique and exceptional circumstances. Hopefully next year Wimbledon will be back bigger and better than ever.”