USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre Flushing Meadows, New York 07/09/2018
Rafa Nadal (ESP) takes on Juan Martin del Potro (ARG) in semi final match
Photo Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd
https://www.grandslamtennis.online
The USTA will ride to the rescue of the sport in the country through a rescue package pegged at $50 million.
The federation also kept hopes alive for staging of the US Open this year, with a hint buried deep in a release announcing various grants to tennis facilities, reaching pros and clubs in the US.
“The extent of this future support will be determined by the financial performance of the 2020 US Open and the impact that the current pandemic has on the event,” a release read.
“The USTA’s plans to stage the tournament remain ongoing, and all decisions regarding the US Open will be guided by federal and local governmental agencies and the health and safety of the players, fans, partners, and the broader tennis community.”
USTA head Mike Dowse also opened the door to a possible initiative to help stranded ATP and WTA lower-level players who are effectively without an income due to the total stoppage of tennis worldwide until at least July 13.
Nick Kyrgios in action at Flushing Meadow last year. Photo Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd
“With phase one and phase two (of the rescue plan), the priority has been to start the process of ensuring that the foundation of our sport remains in place and is viable in the future,” he said.
“We now quickly are taking a look at the broader tennis ecosystem and are working with our colleagues within the Grand Slams, the ITF, the ATP and the WTA Tour to determine how to provide help for lower-ranked professional tennis players who are facing tournament cancellations and financial hardship.”
Organiser at the Hamburg ATP clay event due to start July 13, said they are currently negotiating with city officials over the chance to somehow stage their tournament.
A younger Roger Federer with the trophy after victory over Rafael Nadal in Hamburg in 2007.
The German federal government has recently banned all large-scale gatherings in the country until August 31.
Among initiatives of the USTA:
* internal cost cutting of up to USD 20 million, including salary reduction for USTA staff and management plus eliminating programs in marketing, Player Development and operations, and deferring all non-essential capital projects.
* establishing grants totalling at least USD 5 million to allow facilities in need of financial support to re-open.
* maintaining insurance coverage certified tennis professionals into next year
* providing USD 5 million in operating grants to grassroots tennis and education organisations.