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Djokovic, who was only beaten by Spain’s Rafael Nadal in three sets in the final of the French Open on Sunday, receives a wild card for this year’s Erste Bank Open. The Serbian will be number one, probably ahead of US Open champion and defending champion Dominic Thiem, who is currently number three in the world.
That alone could prevent Nadal from getting involved, but after his 13th win in Paris, the Spaniard is thinking of an early end to the season. Behind Thiem (ATP No. 3) are Stefanos Tsitispas (GRE / 5), Daniil Medwedew (RUS / 6.), Diego Schwartzman (ARG / 8), Matteo Berrettini (ITA / 9) and Andrej Rublew (RUS / 10) .
Straka wants to “radiate confidence”
Due to coronavirus regulations, currently only 1,500 fans are admitted at any one time, Tournament Director Straka was positive: “Despite the threat of losses due to the drastic reduction of admitted visitors, it has always been our goal. declared to celebrate the Erste Bank Open this year and therefore to radiate confidence by offering sports and tennis fans another live event. The great cast is the reward and at the same time a confirmation of the path we have chosen, “he said.
The limit is 27, with a higher position in the world ranking, it no longer automatically enters the main field. Also behind the top ten players are Gael Monfils (FRA / 11), Denis Shapovalov (CAN / 12), David Goffin (BEL / 14), Pablo Carreño Busta (ESP / 15), Fabio Fognini (ITA / 16)), Karen Khachanov (RUS / 17), Stan Wawrinka (SUI / 18) and some more forceful names.
Almost like an important field
Only five players from the current top 27 are not named, which is already close to the top tier. The missing are together with Nadal (2) and Roger Federer (SUI / 4), who will no longer compete this year, Alexander Zverev (GER / 7), Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP / 13) and Benoit Paire (FRA / 26). So there are 16 of the top 20, plus Kei Nishikori (JPN) and Kevin Anderson (RSA) through the protected ranking. The rest have to line up for qualifying tickets or wait for a wild card.
Djokovic, 33, had triumphed 13 years ago at the age of 20 in the Vienna final against Wawrinka 6: 4 6: 0 and thus took revenge on the Swiss for the knockout defeat of the previous year. Even then, the Serbian was third in the world rankings, so he was an absolute star. With his entry into the final in Paris, the Serbian, who had been number one for a total of 290 weeks in his career, was credited with 480 points, in Vienna there are 500 points for the winner. Given that the 17-time winner of the major tournaments did not play this week in 2019, he can write well on the 1.55 million euro event.
Separation in day and night sessions
In addition to attracting as many stars as possible, the safety and health of the audience is Straka’s top priority. That is why there is a 40-page protocol that has also been reviewed by virologists, among others. “Spectators will sit in the room, but they won’t be able to do much more.” For the first time, tickets will be divided into day and night sessions. “So that more spectators enter and you don’t have to stay in the room for more than three, four or five hours. Length of stay is always a problem, ”said the Styrian.
The workforce has been reduced and, for the first time, electronic line calls are used without linesmen. There will also be a “safety bubble” for players in Vienna. “It will be very restricted.” However, Straka had already spoken to some restaurants in Vienna to get rooms for the players. Also, only two supervisors per player are allowed in Vienna. Of course, there will be no interactions like autograph sessions.
