Andy Murray confirms plan to play at US Open despite fears over catching coronavirus in New York

ANDY MURRAY and Jo Konta are committed to playing next month’s US Open despite understandable Covid-19 worries and travel fears.

US Open chiefs are set to confirm this week whether or not the August 31 event at Flushing Meadows will happen.

As he continues his road to full fitness, Muzza reluctantly plans to play back-to-back tournaments in the Big Apple, firstly the rescheduled Cincinnati Masters.

But the Scot accepts there will be nervousness when he boards his flight to the US given the impact of the global pandemic.

Murray, the former world No.1, said: “Mentally I’m planning for it to go ahead.

“Four or five weeks ago, we were pretty sceptical about the US Open but mentally at some stage you need to start preparing and planning for that.

“I’m planning to be there in shape. If it wasn’t happening my schedule for practising and rehab would be a bit different.

“I’ve spoken to my team about potentially playing qualifying in Cincinnati, trying to get a couple of matches in or I could take a wildcard.

We need to get back to competing when it’s safe to do so.”

Andy Murray

“But I haven’t played the week before a Slam – I can’t remember the last time I did that – maybe when I was 19.

“Some sports have obviously gone back ahead and seem to have done pretty well.

“Hopefully we’re getting tested before we arrive.

“Hopefully once we get there, the players, the staff and everyone, we’re in this secure bubble, and everything will be fine.

“I’ll probably be a bit apprehensive getting there and the closer to the tournament.

“I had thought about travelling somewhere beforehand for hot-weather training but then you’re increasing your risk of potentially catching the virus or not training or travelling for a couple of weeks.

“That could then put playing a Grand Slam in doubt. So long as it’s safe for the players then we need to get back to competing when it’s safe to do so.”

The Brits are boosted by the knowledge that players attending overseas tournaments will be exempt from quarantine on return for 14 days -- provided they follow guidance for elite sports stars.

Murray and Konta will be the big names involved in Jamie Murray’s Battle of the Brits Team Tennis, which starts Monday in London.

COME AND JO

Konta, 29, was debating over the weekend whether to play the Palermo Open on August 3 or just head directly to North America.

The world No.14, who says her knee is getting better, said: “Ideally I’d like to play Lexington and then go to New York for the Cincinnati tournament and then the US Open.

“That’s always been my ideal schedule.

“There has always been some uncertainty in the air.

“With everything that has happened, being adaptable and flexible is definitely an important factor.

“However if the US Open does go ahead, then I definitely want to play.

“I will try to be as sensible as I can at my end. I know every tournament that does go ahead will try their best to keep everyone safe.

“I’m looking forward to getting back out on court.”