Novak Djokovic has hailed confirmation of the US Open taking place as 'very positive news' after initially casting doubt on his participation.
Related articles Rafael Nadal agrees with Roger Federer over prospect of no fans Coco Gauff hailed for powerful Black Lives Matter speech - EXCLUSIVE On Wednesday, the USTA confirmed their plans to hold the Western & Southern Open and then the US Open in New York.
The announcement came after weeks of talks with players and officials over how the events can happen.
Early plans which allowed players to bring just one member of their entourage were sharply criticised and Djokovic called them 'extreme'.
However, the USTA has since had a change of heart and is now allowing up to three members and it seems that will be enough to convince Djokovic to join Serena Williams in playing at the Grand Slam event.
Novak Djokovic is set to play at the US Open (Image: GETTY) "I’m extremely happy and excited to see that all the tournaments, especially Grand Slams, are organising their events," he said on Eurosport's Tennis Legends podcast.
"I think it is fantastic news that the tour is coming back.
"I am sure that I am speaking on behalf of all the players and all the tennis fans and everyone involved in the tennis ecosystem.
"This is what we have been waiting for, for all these months. We’ve been hoping and praying that the tour will continue very soon.
"I think that a lot of people were sceptical, especially for the US events considering what the US went through as a country during this pandemic.
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Novak Djokovic is the world No 1 (Image: GETTY) READ MORE Federer, Nadal and Djokovic backed to maintain advantage over rivals "So a lot of people, including myself, were quite sceptical on whether it would happen or not.
"We are very glad that it is happening, of course, and it is very important that we provide opportunities, we provide jobs, we provide opportunities for players to compete. Because at the end of the day, this is what we do.
"As tennis professionals, we love the sport; we are passionate about it. We miss competing and travelling and, at the end of the day, we miss being on tour. So I think this is very positive news."
Meanwhile, the USTA has been heavily criticised by Australian star Dylan Alcott, who alleged they had shown “disgusting discrimination” for not including wheelchair tennis in the tournament.
Related articles Why Roger Federer surgery announcement is 'scary' - Jimmy Arias Federer, Nadal and Djokovic called out by Kyrgios amid US Open row With 10 grand slam titles, Alcott is one of the biggest names in wheelchair tennis but under the current plans, he will not be able to compete for the US Open title he has won on two occasions.
“Just got announced that the US Open will go ahead WITHOUT wheelchair tennis. Players weren’t consulted,” Alcott said on Twitter.
“I thought I did enough to qualify - 2x champion, number 1 in the world.
"But unfortunately I missed the only thing that mattered, being able to walk. Disgusting discrimination.”
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