[ad_1]
One day after the chaos surrounding the match between Alexander Zverev and his French opponent Adrian Mannarino, women’s doubles number one Timea Babos / Kristina Mladenovic (Hungary / France) was surprisingly removed from the US Open calendar.
by SID / tennisnet
Last edit: September 05, 2020, 8:55 pm
© Getty Images
The three-time Grand Slam winners should have played the third match on court 11 on Saturday, instead the second round match of the German doubles Kevin Krawietz / Andreas Mies (Coburg / Cologne) was scheduled.
Mladenovic is one of seven known players who came into contact with Frenchman Benoit Paire. Paire was infected with the corona virus. In order to remain in the tournament, Mannarino and Mladenovic, among others, had to sign an additional protocol, and they were also isolated within the “bubble”. Mladenovic complained on Thursday: “They treat us like criminals and prisoners.”
The reason for the removal of Babos / Mladenovic was initially unknown, but the US tennis association has spoken and announced the disqualification. Due to quarantine regulations in Nassau County (where the player’s hotel is located), travel to the USTA’s Billie Jean National Tennis Center in New York City is not allowed. A person who has had contact with a person infected with COVID-19 must remain in the hotel at the end of the quarantine period.
Exception for Mannarino, isn’t it for Mladenovic?
The players in question must remain in quarantine in New York until September 11. The plan to travel to Europe on a flight financed by the French government was not approved by the authorities. Players were originally assured that they could prepare for the French Open (starting September 27) even after they were eliminated from the US Open on clay. Since Friday, those who left their hotel rooms have not been allowed to leave their hotel rooms or exercise; apparently, an exception was made for Mannarino.
Zverev was only able to compete against Mannarino on Friday after an hour-long tug of war. This was apparently preceded by an official fight between New York City and Mayor Bill de Blasio, as well as New York State and Governor Andrew Cuomo over the interpretation of hygiene regulations. Zverev won the match in four sets after willingly waiting for Mannarino to appear.
