US Open: Qualification takes place behind closed doors
There will be no spectators at the US Open qualification this year.
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit:
Aug 13, 2021, 04:58 pm
If the main competition of the US Open 2021 takes place in front of full ranks again despite the corona pandemic, the players in the qualification have to make friends with empty grandstands. As the organizers of the fourth Grand Slam tournament of the year announced on Thursday, the preliminary rounds will take place behind closed doors.
"Given the popularity of the US Open qualification with fans, the USTA made this a particularly difficult decision. After consulting with local health officials and the US Open medical team, it was decided that it was the right decision, for health and safety issues to guarantee everyone, "said a statement from the US Open .
The reason given was the large number of people: "Since 256 qualifiers share the pitch with the hundreds of single and double players in the main field as well as the respective teams of these players, more than 2500 people have to be on the site this week." In addition, many of the player facilities would be outdoors this year.
The qualification for the last major event of the year will start on August 24th, the starting signal for the main competition will be on August 30th.