SAN FRANCISCO, August 05, (THEWILL) – World number two and reigning champion, Rafael Nadal, has berated the “barbaric” tennis schedule in a pandemic and has chosen to opt out of the US Open and not defend his title due to the rising cases of the coronavirus in the United States.
The Spanish tennis star’s participation was already in doubt after he expressed fears over the second wave of the pandemic in America and around the world.
Nadal took to his Twitter to announce his decision to pull out.
He wrote: “After many thoughts, I have decided not to play this year’s US Open.
“The situation is very complicated worldwide, the Covid-19 cases are increasing, it looks like we still don’t have control of it.
“We know that the reduced tennis calendar is barbaric this year after four months stopped with no play, I understand and thank for the efforts they are putting in to make it happen.
“We have just seen the announcement of Madrid not being played this year.
“All my respects to the USTA, the US Open organisers and the ATP for trying to put the event together for the players and the fans around the world through TV.
“This is a decision I never wanted to take but I have decided to follow my heart this time and for the time being I rather not travel.”
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THEWILL reports that the US Open is scheduled to take place between August 31 and September 13.
Nadal follows the footsteps of world No1 female tennis player, Ashleigh Barty and Nick Kyrgios in skipping the US Open.