Angelique Kerber competes in the US Open

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Despite many cancellations from the top players: Angelique Kerber takes part in the US Open

Cameron Spencer / Getty Images

Angelique Kerber will take part in the US Open in New York. "After careful consideration and intensive discussions with my team, I decided to start at the US Open," said Kerber in a PR interview about the 2016 Grand Slam tournament that begins on August 31 could win.

The 32-year-old said she did not make the decision easy for herself because of the corona pandemic, but has full confidence in the organizers. "I am sure that you are aware of your responsibility and will make every effort to ensure that the tournament is carried out under strict hygiene conditions," said Kerber.

Like Kerber, Alexander Zverev, Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams also take part in the US Open. Numerous professionals have also expressed concerns and canceled their start at the second Grand Slam tournament of the year, including world number one Ashleigh Barty, number two Simona Halep and defending champions Rafael Nadal and Bianca Andreescu.

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Like Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev takes part in the US Open

Kerber explained that she associates "many emotional moments with the US Open. It is all the nicer for me to start again here after the long break." For her, "the anticipation for the new start predominates, even if a lot will certainly be different this year".

All professionals and their supervisors are gathered at the US Open in a so-called bubble that they are not allowed to leave. In addition, regular corona tests are on the program. Last Tuesday there was already a first corona case among an employee of the US Open. Positive players would have to leave the tournament immediately. For Kerber it is the first appearance since the Australian Open in January.

mjm / dpa / sid