“What is happening is absurd”

Even before the first game in New York, a positive corona case raised questions about the concept of safety. Especially Noah Rubin, the current world number 228, does not stop with criticism.

“Currently, there is no safer place in the world than here.” Here’s how a confident Dominic Thiem recently described the player bubble at the US Open in Flushing Meadows. Due to the corona pandemic, players are subject to strict rules this year and are monitored 24 hours a day. Regular testing and mask requirements are part of the rigorous health and safety concept like virtual press conferences for the media. Only those going to the facilities at Flushing Meadows may leave the hotel. And yet a positive corona case and its handling cause a lot of skepticism, even before the tournament starts.

We are talking about Benoit Paire. The Frenchman, who has been in the New York bubble since Aug. 18, last tested positive for Covid-19 after five negative smears. Therefore, according to protocol, the 31-year-old is excluded from the tournament and must be isolated in the hotel for ten days. Players and supervisors who have been in contact with Paire must also be quarantined for 14 days and dropped out of the box. At least that’s what the concept of security provides.

A top player affected?

As the French daily “L’Equipe” writes, eleven people are said to be affected. This is also confirmed by Noah Rubin (ATP 228), who relies on information from those directly affected. The American also claims that only gamers are affected. But instead of prohibiting participation and ordering the proper quarantine, the organizers are said to have delivered a document to the firm that, according to Rubin, does not allow those affected to access certain areas, but not the facility.

A no-go for Rubin: “I suspect that at least one, if not several, the best players are affected and you don’t want to cancel the tournament.” It is irresponsible and unacceptable that people who have had close contact with Paire are not immediately excluded.

“Don’t fuck me with this bubble”

But that is not all. According to Rubin, the American tennis association USTA is much less consistent than advertised. For example, other guests should also have access to player hotels on Long Island. And bus and shuttle drivers can go home after they’ve finished their work. “Why do I have to stay at the hotel then?” Rubin asks on the “Coffee Cast” podcast and clearly says, “Don’t screw me with this bubble. What is happening is absurd. “

It should be noted that Rubin’s criticism is probably not completely free of self-interest. The hometown hero was high on the list of successors and could have slipped into the box had he been excluded from the tournament.

For example, Rubin’s perception differs significantly from Alexander Zverev’s assessment: “At every corner where you have the opportunity to go out there are security people. And you certainly can’t go back in after you leave, ”says the German. It goes without saying that there is still some residual risk with 256 individual players, especially if the rules are not applied as specified.