It has seemed like a long time since tennis fans have had any significant action to get excited about. The COVID-19 pandemic hit the sport hard and left fans (and players) eagerly awaiting to see when things could get started again. While playing classic table games or slots at online casinos USA has been a fun way to kill time, seeing major tennis events resuming will be welcome for many supporters. This makes the ATP’s recent decision to restart their season again on August 14th 2020, one that went down very well!
But just how will the new look ATP calendar work out and which players should perform well when back on the court?
Revised ATP calendar released for fans to plan around
While there may only be events planned until the end of September 2020 for now, the roadmap back to pro tennis action from the ATP is a great sign. Of course, events going ahead as planned will still depend on the situation regarding COVID-19 safety. But what can fans of the sports look forward to when players head back on the court in mid-August 2020?
The first tournaments in the revised ATP schedule are the Citi Open in Washington DC on August 14th, which is followed by the Western & Southern Open at Flushing Meadows on August 22nd. The famous US Open will take place on August 31st. After this, there is the Genrali Open in Kitzbuhel in early September 2020, which is then followed by the Mutua Madrid Open and the Internazionali BNL Italia in Rome on September 20th, 2020. The revised schedule we know about to date then finishes with the rearranged French Open on September 22nd, 2020.
With 2 Grand Slams to enjoy in the above calendar, tennis followers will soon start to see some great action again. But which players on the ATP tour could come roaring back to perform well after such a long break?
Roger Federer
One pro who looks well equipped to perform to the highest standards when back properly is Swiss maestro Roger Federer. Currently, at number 4 in the rankings, he will surely have the motivation behind him to want to win games and climb back up to the number one spot. Also, Federer’s game is so natural and intuitive that you feel he is one who can quickly get back into top form when play is resumed. As an older player, the break may also actually benefit him and given his body more time to rest and recuperate than usual. All this could see him explode out of the blocks!
Novak Djokovic
With the men’s game currently dominated by the old guard, you have to pick out Djokovic as one to hit the ground running. Let’s not forget that he had built up a fantastic winning run before the tour paused, which shows he still has the talent to succeed at the very top. The other thing you have to take into account is that Djokovic is used to taking longish breaks between events and coming back all guns blazing.
He, like Federer, also has the motivation to do well and cement his status as arguably the best player in ATP history. While the rearranged French Open may suit Nadal more, other events in the revised calendar, such as the one in Madrid, are perfect for him. Although the recent controversy over Djokovic’s Adria Tour event may distract him (as well any possible isolation if he tests positive for COVID-19), he should still do well when back playing.
Dominic Thiem
One player who was enjoying his season before the COVID-19 pause was Austrian flyer Thiem. He currently sits at Number 3 in the ATP rankings and should do well again once play resumes. This player has been back in training proper since mid-May 2020, and so should be right physically. At age 26, he also is at the peak of his career in terms of his overall condition, and this should help him get back into the groove when on the court again. His recent appearances in both the UTS and Adria Tour have also seen him playing well and getting some competitive action under his belt. With the French Open being a particular favorite of his and a decent US Open record also, Thiem could continue to enjoy a superb year in 2020.
ATP tour resuming is exciting for all tennis fans
The ATP’s decision to resume play in mid-August 2020 is very welcome to all tennis lovers. Of course, safety is still the main concern for all involved, but being able to get tennis back to some normality is also crucial. While we will not know for sure who will perform well until the balls are flying again, the above players seem most set to turn the style on for their followers.
