New York
Boris Becker does not believe the US Open should go ahead as scheduled due to the coronavirus crisis.
Over 23,000 people have died in the state of New York after contracting COVID-19, but US Open organisers are still planning for the grand slam to start at the end of August.
Wimbledon was cancelled as a result of the pandemic, while the French Open has been put back until September – although there remain doubts over whether the Paris major will go ahead.
Six-time major champion Becker thinks it would be unwise for what is usually the final grand slam of the year at Flushing Meadows to be held in four months’ time.
He told Laureus.com: “New York was pretty much the worst city hit by the virus a couple of weeks ago. I don’t think it would be wise to have a tournament there.”
Becker has also thrown his weight behind calls for a merger between governing bodies the ATP and WTA.
He added: “I think we are having a moment in crisis in tennis. Apart from, let’s say, from the top 10, the top 50 and maybe the top 75 men and women, the rest of the professional players need their weekly pay check, they need their prize money.
“The fact is they can’t play, they can’t even go to a club and give lessons because of social distancing.—AFP
