Evans calls for Nadal and Djokovic to help others British No.1 insists other players need payday from US Open
BRITISH No.1 Dan Evans says Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have a duty to take part in the US Open in order to help lower-ranked players survive the coronavirus crisis.
The hard-court grand slam is due to begin in New York on August 31, but world No.1 Djokovic and defending champion Nadal have expressed doubts over playing in it.
Djokovic said that the protocols put in place, including only being allowed one person with him on site, are “extreme” while Nadal currently has no inclination to travel for tournaments.
With tennis being suspended since early March and Wimbledon already being wiped off the calendar, Evans believes compromises should be taken in order to get playing again and allow players to earn prize money.
“If the US Open didn’t go ahead that would be another grand slam they are missing, Wimbledon has gone,” Evans told BBC Radio Five Live.
“This is a point where the players should really come together and Novak and Rafa should be looking to help those lower-ranked players so they get a good payday really.
“It is not all about money, there is health involved here but if it is safe enough, having just a coach is not good enough reason not to be going to a tournament in my opinion.
“There are obviously people who have just got into the top 100 and haven’t earned for two or three months now.
“It is great what the ATP did with the relief fund but there is nothing better than the prize money of the grand slams for the players to be receiving.”
Only the top players in the game have a big entourage with them on the Tour, with Djokovic complaining that he needs a coach, hitting partner, physiotherapist and fitness guru with him.