COVID-19: After Nadal, Djokovic Express No Desire To Play US Open, Serena’s Coach Reveals If She Wants To Play

Serena Williams’ coach Patrick Mouratoglou has revealed that the former World No. 1 “would love to play” in the US Open later this year amid the COVID-19 crisis.

The most prestigious Grand Slam of the calendar, Wimbledon, has been scrapped from the year for the very first time since the World War II, while the Rolland Garros has been postponed to the latter part of the year.

Serena had an injury-hit season in 2019 but she recovered in time to play in her home Grand Slam at the Flushing Medows. The six-time US Open champion eventually lost the final to Bianca Andreescu.

“She's definitely come back to tennis to win Grand Slams, that's her goal. For a player to be out of competition is extremely difficult. So, the US Open will be a first opportunity to win one. There'll be a lot of restrictions and I have to speak with her to see if she will be able to accept and manage those expectations,” Mouratoglou told BBC Radio 4's "Today".

Many players including Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Simona Halep have suggested against the idea of having the US Open in August, which could be organized without the spectators and media in the stadium.

While Nadal said he has “little desire” to travel to New York for the tournament, Djokovic has termed the proposed coronavirus safety protocols by the US Open organizers “extreme”.

"We would not have access to Manhattan, we would have to sleep in hotels at the airport, to be tested twice or three times per week. Also, we could bring one person to the club which is really impossible. I mean, you need your coach, then a fitness trainer, then a physiotherapist,” the World No. 1 told Prva TV in his native Serbia.

Djokovic kickstarted the year in style by winning the Australian Open, where he had defeated Dominic Thiem in a thrilling five-set game.