US Open 2021 Dates : 30 August-12 September Venue : Flushing Meadows New York. Coverage : Daily radio commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra/BBC Sport website, app. Also, live text commentaries and match report on the app.
Andy Murray believes that players are responsible for the safety of the public when they travel the world. Therefore, they should be vaccinated against Covid.
Many people are reluctant to get the vaccine. Tournaments have yet to require it.
The US Open requires spectators to prove they have received at least one dose of vaccines. This means that the focus is shifting towards the players.
He said, "I hope that more players will choose it in the future."
Murray said that before Monday's match against Stefanos Tsitsipas in the first round, he added: "Over these next few months things will probably change quite a lot."
"I am aware that conversations regarding the Australian Open are already taking place. Players who have been vaccinated will be able to play in a different environment than those who have not.
"They will allow the players who have received the vaccine to train and move freely without having to quarantine.
New Yorkers must now show proof of vaccination to be able to enjoy indoor dining, exercise, and entertainment facilities.
Murray, who has been fully vaccinated, said that he feels like he is living a normal life.
"But it's not the same for those players who haven't. They'll be frustrated, I'm sure.
"Ultimately, I think the reason we all get vaccinated is because we want to be there for the greater public. As players, we have the responsibility to ensure that everyone is safe.
"I am happy to have been vaccinated. "I hope that more players will choose to get it in the next months."
Vaccines were available at all ATP and WTA tournaments in the lead-up to the US Open. However, many players are still concerned about side effects that could disrupt their season.
A spokesperson for ATP stated that just over half the male players were vaccinated on Saturday. Novak Djokovic and Tsitsipas are two of those who haven't been vaccinated. The world number one doesn't believe that mandatory vaccination should be required.
"I believe that it should always be a personal decision whether or not you want to get vaccinated. Djokovic in New York stated that he hoped that the system will remain that way.
The US Open allows vaccinated players to enjoy indoor dining. However, they may not need to isolate if they are close to someone who has tested positive.
In such an eventuality, the unvaccinated will automatically be withheld. This is similar to what happened to Gilles Simon in France.
It will be a delicate decision for Grand Slams, ATP and WTA on whether mandatory player vaccination should be made.
Dan Evans couldn't compete in the Tokyo Olympics due to illness shortly before his second vaccination was due. He said that he would urge people to get it but that it is a difficult one.
"It would be great if we could keep one another safe with the vaccine. But there are clearly people who have differing opinions.
"But I don’t believe they are pulling this vaccination out of a lorry. It is a well-researched vaccine that's good for us. That's my opinion.
"The next shot will I definitely get."
