Aussie John Millman arrives in COVID-hit NYC for US Open
Australian player John Millman has praised tennis authorities in the US for ensuring players' safety after arriving in New York to play in the US Tennis Open.
Many big names pulled out of the Open over COVID-19 concerns in the US. More people have died from the virus in New York than any other State, although infection rates have dropped dramatically.
Australia's top female player Ash Barty decided not to make the trip, as did men's players Nick Kyrgios and Alex Popyrin.
Departing from his Brisbane home for New York, Millman admitted he was "not thrilled at the idea of travelling".
"My safety and my health is potentially being compromised. But I am 31 years old and I also need to make a living right now," he told The Australian.
"Like a lot of other Australians right now, I need to get out and work and, despite being in a compromised position, this my work and that is what it involves and that is probably what I weighed up when I decided to play.
"I have seen others pull out and I can understand their decisions, but everyone has to weigh up the pros and cons and there are definitely pros and cons to both sides."
But arriving in New York, Millman tweeted that he was impressed by how hard the USTA had worked to ensure the safety of players.
"I'm pumped to be back here playing. Top effort from the entire USTA team."
First impressions of the US Open series are really positive. It’s noticeable how hard the USTA has worked to create a comfortable and safe environment. I’m pumped to be back playing. Top effort from the entire USTA team.
— John Millman (@johnhmillman) August 17, 2020
Millman tweeted during a stopover on his way to New York that international travel had changed dramatically in the COVID era.
I can confirm currently during my stopover in Doha that travel is very different beast these days 😯 https://t.co/9TNsf2eeJX pic.twitter.com/CEPs35IY86
— John Millman (@johnhmillman) August 15, 2020
The US Open will be played behind closed doors and players will be tested regularly.
Kyrgios said he was upset to be missing the tournament.
"It hurts me at my core not to be out there competing in one of the sport's greatest arenas, Arthur Ashe Stadium," Kyrgios said.
"But I am sitting out for my people, for the Aussies, for the hundreds and thousands of Americans who have lost their lives, for all of you. It is my decision, like it or not, and those are my reasons."
Originally published as Aussie John Millman arrives in COVID-hit NYC for US Open
