2020 US Open: When is it, how can you watch it on TV, and which players have pulled out?
Tennis is due to make it’s return to the Grand Slam stage with the 2020 US Open, although it would be fair to say the coronavirus crisis has severely complicated matters.
It is an unprecedented time for tennis and sport in general, so we answer all the key questions about the tournament below.
Is the 2020 US Open going ahead despite the coronavirus crisis?
Organisers have been adamant from the start that they would learn to co-exist with the coronavirus pandemic and simply adapt their planning, and they have been good to their word.
The decision has not been universally popular, to say the least, but no one can accuse them of not thinking it through thoroughly.
When is the 2020 US Open?
It has never moved from it’s original dates, meaning it will start on Monday August 31, with the men’s final on September 13.
How will this US Open be different because of the coronavirus?
To the fans, the only real difference will be that it will be played in empty stadiums. It has been deemed too risky to allow any spectators into Flushing Meadows, meaning it will be a surreal atmosphere for matches.
For players, the changes will be far more pronounced. They will be unable to travel with their full compliment of staff, which will affect the biggest names more than anyone.
They will also undergo regular tests for Covid-19 and be restricted to ‘bubble’ hotels or private houses, although the latter has not been well received by everyone.
Which players have pulled out of the 2020 US Open?
The most high-profile withdrawal has been defending champion Rafael Nadal. The world number two described it as ‘the decision he did not want to make,’ but said safety concerns, coupled with fears over how playing the US Open would affect his clay court preparations, had forced his hand.
Roger Federer is also out, but double knee surgery this year spared him the dilemma. Nick Kyrgios has been vocal throughout about taking coronavirus seriously, and he has proven the courage of his convictions and withdrawn.
Former champion Stan Wawrinka, world number nine Gael Monfils, and world number 11 Fabio Fognini are also missing from the men’s draw, as well as Flushing Meadows favourite Juan Martin del Potro.
The women’s section has been even harder hit. World number one Ashleigh Barty will not play due to safety concerns. World number five Elina Svitolina and world number seven Kiki Bertens are also out.
Barbora Strycova, who reached the Wimbledon semi-finals last year, has also withdrawn, as has 2004 champion Svetlana Kuznetsova and former Australian Open champion Sam Stosur.
How can I watch the US Open?
TV coverage is extensive but varies depending upon where you are.
United States: ESPN
Canada: TSN and RDS
UK and Ireland: Amazon Prime
Continental Europe: Eurosport
Japan: WOWOW
India and sub-continent: Star India
Central America, South America, and Oceania: ESPN International
Middle East and North Africa: beIN Sports
Southeast Asia: Fox Sports
Sub-Saharan Africa: SuperSport
What is the prize money on offer for the 2020 US Open?
The lack of ticket revenue and the increased costs of coping with the coronavirus has hit the prize pot, as you would probably expect.
However, players will still be well-rewarded for a good showing at Flushing Meadows.
Men’s and Women’s Singles
| Prize Money | % Change vs 2019 | |
| Winner | $3,000,000 | -22% |
| Runner-up | $1,500,000 | -21% |
| Semi-final | $800,000 | -17% |
| Quarter-final | $425,000 | -15% |
| Round 4 | $250,000 | -11% |
| Round 3 | $163,000 | 0% |
| Round 2 | $100,000 | 0% |
| Round 1 | $61,000 | +5% |
Doubles (shared between each player)
| Prize Money | % Change vs 2019 | |
| Winner | $400,000 | -46% |
| Runner-up | $240,000 | -35% |
| Semi-final | $130,000 | -26% |
| Quarter-final | $91,000 | 0% |
| Round 2 | $50,000 | 0% |
| Round 1 | $30,000 | 0% |
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