Australia’s Nick Kyrgios said on Thursday that he is unlikely to play at the French Open due to concerns about COVID-19.
On Sunday, Australian tennis player Kyrgios announced that he would not be contesting this year’s US Open. Owing to the pandemic situation, he did not believe it was safe to do so and promised to only return to the tour when it was safe from a health and safety perspective.
“It’s a very slim chance I’ll play in Europe. Almost slim to none, to be honest,” the 25-year-old told Channel Nine.
“I’m going to use this (time) to stay home, train, be with my family, be with my friends and I’m just going to act responsibly, and wait till I think there’s better circumstances to play.”
Previously, Kyrgios has been very open while voicing his dislike for the Clay surface. Usually scheduled for the May-June time of the year, this year’s French Open has been postponed due to the pandemic situation being severe in France at that time. Rafael Nadal’s favourite tournament where he has won the title 10 times, will now be played after the US Open, away from its usual schedule in September this year.
Last year, he said the French Open “sucks” before pulling out of the tournament, citing sickness.
The Aug. 13-Sept. 13 U.S. Open, which will be played without spectators, has been hit with a number of high-profile withdrawals including Australian women’s world number one Ash Barty and men’s world number two Rafa Nadal. Adding to this, Roger Federer’s injury means that this will be the first grand slam since 1999 where neither Rafael Nadal nor himself will be contesting the tournament.
“But even with the (Black Lives Matter) movement and the whole protests and that type of stuff going on over there, I just don’t think at the moment it’s the correct time to go ahead with sport, in my opinion,” he said.
A fresh outbreak of COVID-19 in Melbourne has raised questions about whether the Australian Open can be held in January, with the city undergoing a second lockdown.
Organisers are planning for it to go ahead, without fans if necessary, but Kyrgios was unconvinced.
“With the pandemic in Melbourne, I heard on the radio today I think 700 new cases, we reached new heights in deaths,” he said.
“I’m not sure the Australian Open will go on.”
Nick Kyrgios has been at the forefront to talk about responsibility during the Covid-19 crisis. Starting from the Adria Tour, Kyrgios made it a point to heard regarding his disappointment regarding the demeanour of several top players who not only put their own health in jeopardy but also that of friends, family and fans.
