US Open 2020 Issues Waiver Document, puts players in difficult situation

While the pandemic is still on, the second slam for the year is almost here. The US Open will be held without any spectators in one of the worst-hit cities, New York. Weeks before the event is all set to be played, now comes a contract that has clauses to aware the players of the risks involved.

Who would have thought that tennis will be a sport that could endanger a player’s life or even lead to death? But in 2020 (after a pandemic), this too is happening.

Assuming full responsibility for any harm

The agreement has been shared by Wesley Koolhof on his twitter account. Some of the clauses present in the agreement have phrases that seem too horrifying for a tennis tournament agreement. However, what is more, horrifying is that it shows exactly the degree of harm the pandemic may cause to the players.

I voluntarily assume full responsibility for any risks including death, that may be sustained by me or by others who come into contact with me, as a result of my presence in the Facilities, whether caused by the negligence of the NTC (National Tennis Centre) or otherwise.”

However, looking at the current scenario, the US Tennis organizers have been rational by demanding the players to sign an agreement. It will be a first slam amidst the pandemic and by far the most important event to be held in the course of the past 6 months. The USTA has been far-sighted and practical, but the explicit language in the contract may scare away a few players.

“I am fully aware of the risks involved with entering USTA National Tennis Center Incorporated premises and facilities located at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Flushing, New York”

Some phrases almost seem like a declaration of entering a warzone with high risk to life. Every player participating in the event will be no stranger to the drastic number of cases in New York and the citizens there protesting to not wear masks. With the agreement now made public, a lot of questions will be raised towards the USTA.

What is the need for an agreement?

The contract shared on twitter by doubles player Wesley Koolhof has surprised a lot of fans. In the contract, American slam organisers have primarily decided to take precautions and make the players responsible for any harm which could further allow them to sue the organizers.

“To the fullest extent, permitted by law, I release, waive, forever discharge and covenant no to sue the NTC, USTA , USTA Player..”

The contract now makes the ATP/WTA insurance schemes null and void. The players will be discussing their further course of action. It may not be a surprise if Novak Djokovic as the head of the ATP council would bring the concerns of players to USTA. It will be interesting to see how players decide their further tour plans.

Players to prioritize their health

Following the recent agreement the US Open may receive mass withdrawals. After much discussions with their teams players may decide to skip the US Open, especially the players travelling from Europe. Also the players could decide to skip the Grand slam and take part in an ATP event like in Austria which could be safer and help them garner points.

Novak Djokovic will have to decide to take a stand as the Head of the ATP Council for players. He will also have to keep in mind his position as the World no.1 and there will be huge pressure from the other players to boycott the event.

For the women players’ since the WTA has resumed they have a number of other events to participate in namely BNP Paribas followed by events in France and Italy.

Also Read Top 20 Male players likely to skip US Open 2020 over quarantine rules