(Reuters) – The American Tennis Association (USTA) has said that spectators will not be able to watch the US Open tennis qualifiers in New York this month for health and safety reasons amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Qualifying rounds will be held at Flushing Meadows a week before the main competition begins on 30 August.
“Given the immense popularity of the US Open Qualifiers among USTA fans, this was a particularly difficult decision for the USTA,” the unit said in a statement on Thursday.
“But after consultation with local health officials and the US Open medical team, it was determined it was the right decision to ensure everyone’s health and safety.”
The USTA said more than 2,500 people, including athletes, their teams and others, are expected to be on site during the qualifying round.
In June, the organization said it would allow maximum capacity for most tournaments running until 12 September, making it the first Grand Slam since last year’s Australian Open to have full spectators amid the pandemic.
The US Open in 2020 was held without fans.
(Por Manasi Pathak em Bengaluru)
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