US Open dealt another double blow as two more top players withdraw due to ‘too high a risk’
The US Open has been dealt another huge blow to its legitimacy this year after two more top players announced they would not play.
WTA world number one and ATP world number two, and defending US Open champion, Rafael Nadal had already pulled out over safety grounds.
Now the WTA field has been weakened even further with two more of the top ten announcing their withdrawal.
âAfter long consideration I have decided not to go to the states for Cincinnati and the Us open,â world number seven Kiki Bertens confirmed on Instagram.
âThe situation around COVID-19 is still that worrying and the health of everyone and the control over this virus is priority.
“Our prime minister indicated yesterday that we should be quarantined for 14 days after coming back from the states.
âOff course we respect this as a team and this would disturb our preparation for my beloved clay court tournaments in Rome and Paris.
“I hope the situation will soon take a positive turn and wish everyone good health. Take care!â
That was quickly followed by world number five, and semi-finalist last year, Elina Svitolina revealing her decision to opt out too.
âConsidering all the aspects, I have decided to not play the US Open 2020,â Svitolina said.
âI want to thank the USTA, organizers and WTA for giving the players a chance to play and the fans a chance to watch this great event.
“I understand and respect all the efforts they are putting to make it happen in a safe environment, but I still donât feel comfortable to travel to US without putting my team and myself at high risk.â
- Join the tennishead CLUB and receive ÂŁ250/$350 of FREE GEAR including ASICS Gel-Resolution 8 trainers, shorts, shirt & socks
- Keep up to date with the breaking news & tennis action at our tennis news section
- Win amazing prizes by entering our competitions
- Learn more about your favourite players including Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic
- Check out the latest tennis equipment with our tennis gear reviews
- Receive regular updates in our legendary free newsletter
- Read in depth features with stunning photography in tennishead magazine
- Canât visit the tournaments you love? Check out our guide on how to watch tennis on TV
- Donât miss a thing with our Live Scores service
- Follow tennishead on social media at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube
- EXCLUSIVE 5% DISCOUNT for all tennishead readers on tennis rackets, balls, clothing, shoes & accessories with All Things Tennis, our dedicated tennis gear partner