Rafael Nadal did the right thing to skip US Open, Novak Djokovic is favorite to win: Adriano Panatta

Rafael Nadal did the right thing to skip US Open, Novak Djokovic is favorite to win: Adriano Panatta

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Adriano Panatta, the former professional tennis player from Italy has made remarks in the context of the US Open. On one hand, Pannata has supported Rafael Nadal’s decision to skip the US Open and on the other, he spoke on how Djokovic has the best chances to win it. The Italian player went on to call the slam a “real madness” to be held amidst the pandemic.

I would not have gone: Pannata

In a recent interview to Il Foglio, he said, “In these conditions I would not have gone”.

The Italian champion hails from the country that was worst affected by COVID-19 in the month of June. The decision to participate in an event that has players from all across the world is a madness as per him.

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“I repeat that in my opinion going to the US Open this year is madness. Obviously everyone is free to do what they want, but in my opinion, there are no minimum conditions to take the field with the right serenity,“ he said.

Less fascinating.. and not very significant ‘US Open’

The Italian who is the only player to beat Bjorn Borg twice on French clay supported Rafael Nadal,

”I guess there are many who do not feel at their best after this long stop, in some cases caution is needed because the risk of getting hurt is high”.

He went ahead to call this season of US Open a version of tennis ‘Big Brother‘. Big Brother is a reality TV show that involves contestants isolated from the world living in a house.

”Whoever goes will be able to bring up to three staff members and will have to live in a “bubble” as if he were a competitor of a tennis Big Brother…. is all too evident that all these limitations make this edition less fascinating and probably also not very significant.”

The Italian star’s remarks are too blunt but realistic. The US Open has issued an agreement for the players to be responsible for every consequence at the tournament. Moreover, the players will have to follow a long list of rules that includes restrictions on traveling within the city.

Novak is the top contender at USO

Novak Djokovic

The Italian has predicted Novak Djokovic to be the top contender at the US Open to look out for. The World no.1 will not have to worry about Rafa or Roger at the US Open.

“He is really very good – – he would have been the first to focus on even if there hadn’t been a pandemic due to the coronavirus”. Different decision could not have been made but playing without an audience is terrifying. I think that sport finds its natural completion in the spectators, the empty stands are desolating and demotivating.”

Pannata has been a tennis champion from 1970-1975. He has garnered enough experience to speak of the struggles players will be facing at the slam. This year’s US Open is scheduled to begin from 31st August at Flushing Meadows.

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