The US Open will have a new men’s champion in 2020, if the major comes off later this month for two weeks into September. Rafael Nadal announced Tuesday on Instagram he will not be taking part in the event held in New York,
Nadal also put the tennis authorities on blast, saying the calendar is barbaric after 4 months with no play.
Nadal’s words:
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 4 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.
It remains to be seen and heard how many other top players will skip the even due to the coronavirus.