Djokovic says he will play in the US Open despite coronavirus fears
Novak Djokovic has confirmed that he will compete in the US Open in New York this month.
Several players have already pulled out of the tournament, including four-time winner and defending champion
Rafael Nadal, due to coronavirus fears.
But the world No 1, who tested positive for Covid-19 in June following the controversial Adria Tour, wrote on his website: “I am happy to confirm that I will participate at the Western & Southern Open and US Open this year.
“It was not an easy decision to make with all the obstacles and challenges on many sides, but the prospect of competing again makes me really excited.”
Djokovic will also compete in the Western & Southern Open, which is usually held in Cincinnati but will be played at Flushing Meadows from 22-28 August.
The US Open gets under way at the same venue three days later. Both tournaments will be played without fans.
Djokovic has won three of his 17 Grand Slam titles at the US Open and was the runner-up there five times. By playing this year, he will have a chance to narrow the gap between himself and the only two men with more major trophies: Roger Federer and Nadal.
Federer, who has won 20
Slam championships, is sidelined for the rest of 2020 after having two operations on his right knee.
Djokovic was one of several people – including his wife; his coach, Goran Ivanisevic; and other players – who got the coronavirus during an exhibition tour he organised in Serbia and Croatia while the tennis tours were suspended.