U.S. Open to go ahead without fans from Aug. 31 to Sept. 13
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Women's final at 2019 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City, September 7, 2019. /VCG

Women's final at 2019 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City, September 7, 2019. /VCG

The U.S. Open will be held without fans from August 31 to September 13, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said on Tuesday. 

Cuomo said on Twitter the United States Tennis Association (USTA) will take "extraordinary precautions" to protect players at its marquee event including robust testing, additional cleaning, extra locker room space, and dedicated accommodation. 

No professional tennis tournament has been held since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has left the sport's calendar in tatters, and the shutdown will extend until August. 

The Australian Open is the only Grand Slam event to have been played so far this year. The French Open has been moved to September and is due to start one week after the scheduled U.S. Open men's final, while Wimbledon has been cancelled. 

"We recognize the tremendous responsibility of hosting one of the first global sporting events in these challenging times, and we will do so in the safest manner possible, mitigating all potential risks," USTA Chief Executive Mike Dowse said in a statement. 

The ATP/WTA Cincinnati hardcourt event -- the Western & Southern Open, a lead-in tournament to the U.S. Open will also be staged in New York as in order to minimize travel for players taking part in both tournaments. 

Novak Djokovic holds the trophy after winning U.S. Open men's final at the Billie Jean National Tennis Center in New York City, U.S., September 9, 2018. /VCG

Novak Djokovic holds the trophy after winning U.S. Open men's final at the Billie Jean National Tennis Center in New York City, U.S., September 9, 2018. /VCG

Earlier, a number of high profile players, including World No.1 Novak Djokovic and defending men's singles champion Rafael Nadal, have expressed reservations about joining U.S. Open as proposed safety measures and restrictions were problematical. 

However, other players have said it is time for tennis to return. 

Karolina Pliskova, the World No. 3 and 2016 US Open finalist, said she was "definitely flying" for the tournament. 

"If we stay home waiting for the ideal situation, we may wait forever. The tournament is better with fans but if the players like tennis, they should go," Pliskova said. 

The USTA will give more details on the arrangements for the tournament on Wednesday along with the official announcement. 

(With input from agencies)