The world No.1 felt the hotels would be too suffocating and he battled with organisers to be allowed to stay elsewhere - even though he has had to pay for security to show he is not breaking the rules.

"With the trees and serenity, being in this kind of environment is a blessing," Djokovic told the New York Times on Thursday ahead of the Western and Southern warm-up event starting on Saturday.

The US Open begins without fans on August 31 at the same Flushing Meadows venue.

"And I'm grateful, because I've seen the hotel where the majority of players are staying. I don't want to sound arrogant... but it's tough for most of the players, not being able to open their window and being in a hotel in a small room."

US Open champion Rafa Nadal has opted not to fly to the US because of the pandemic and is instead preparing for the rearranged French Open from September 27.

Roger Federer is injured, leaving Djokovic as the star attraction, which he says was part of his decision to come.

"I was very close to not coming," he said. "There were a lot of uncertainties.

"I of course also felt responsible as a top player to be here. It's important for our sport to keep going."

Djokovic contracted COVID-19 during his Adria Tour exhibition tournament in June.

He was heavily criticised for the event but says it has become a "witch hunt".

"We tried to do something with the right intentions," Djokovic said.

"Yes, there were some steps that could have been done differently...but if I had the chance to do the Adria Tour again, I would do it again."

Australian Associated Press