“It Feels Quiet” – Novak Djokovic on the No-Spectator Policy at US Open 2020

With the coronavirus in the picture, 2020 has looked vastly different from most of the other years in recent memory. Tennis events like the US Open have had to adjust their policies keeping the pandemic in mind. They’ve even gone as far as to host the event without any fans in the stadium. Players have reacted differently to the lack of spectators. Novak Djokovic too had something to say about this.

Novak Djokovic on Fan-less Tournaments

Several people found the fan-less protocols at the events to be extreme. However, it’s better to be safe than sorry! Novak Djokovic understands the idea behind this move but still finds it very strange. He said, “It feels quiet. No offense and it does feel strange to not have the crowd and that interaction with that creates amazing energy.”

The Serb has clearly been missing the crowd but he has also seen some positive effects of the no-spectator policy. He said, “It feels nice to hear the sound of the tennis ball from 50 courts around and see the familiar faces and everyone getting in the competition mode. I missed that personally, I think everyone is here because they missed it. So, I think overall, when we see things from a larger perspective, it’s positive that we’re here and tennis keeps going.”

Throughout the suspension of the ATP Tour, tennis was heavily missed. There were certain exhibition matches but now, with the Western & Southern Open underway, the tennis world has finally made a return to the professional circuit.

Novak Djokovic is playing this event and he has been doing very well. While his first match didn’t go smoothly, he picked up some momentum and thrashed all of his opponents in the later rounds. Now, he is going to be facing Roberto Bautista Agut in the semi-finals and everyone can expect him to give it his all.

Read More – US Open 2020 Draw: Novak Djokovic Faces A Tough Path To 18th Grand Slam