Zverev prefers playing in front of empty stands to having no events

"Obviously players like above all to play in front of full stands... but it's better than having the season cancelled. It would be hugely good for fans," he said.



Zverev prefers playing in front of empty stands to having no events

Alexander Zverev says he is in favor of playing events with no fans if required, and is also willing to compete in a rescheduled French Open.

While tournaments and players have generally been reluctant to consider playing in front of empty stands, it now appears preferable to an extended hiatus due to coronavirus.

"Obviously players like above all to play in front of full stands... but it's better than having the season cancelled," Zverev told Bild. "It would be hugely good for fans.

"By the start of the US Open, people would be so impatient for tennis they would look froward to matches with no spectators. This is why I favor 'in camera' until normal conditions can be restored.

"The only problem is travel for the players."

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 31: Alexander Zverev of Germany packs his bags after losing his Men's Singles Semifinal match against Dominic Thiem of Austria on day twelve of the 2020 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 31, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
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The 22-year-old German also suggested that players would play both the French Open and the US Open, even if they were a week or couple of weeks apart. The French Open has announced it wants to be played the week following the US Open, though it is in talks with the tours.

"At first it seems bizarre, but I think most players would be happy to play," he said. "Having two more majors to play would be something to cheer about, having had lots of cancelled or postponed tournaments."

No tour play is scheduled for the next three months.

Zverev is No. 7 in the rankings.