Defending champion Rafael Nadal said Tuesday he will not play the US Open, citing concerns about the coronavirus and the revised "barbaric" tennis schedule. "After much reflection, I have decided not to play this year's US Open," Nadal said on Twitter.
"The situation is very complicated around the world, COVID-19 cases are increasing, it seems that we still have no control." This is a decision that I never wanted to make, but this time I have decided to follow my heart and for the moment I prefer not to travel. "
The 34-year-old Spanish star also pointed to the international tennis calendar, which has been revised after interruptions caused by the closings of COVID-19.
The United States Open in New York, scheduled from August 31 to September 13, will be followed two weeks later by the French Open at Roland Garros.
"We know that the reduced tennis schedule is brutal this year after 4 months stopped without playing ..." said Nadal.
With Nadal's longtime rival Roger Federer, already ruled out of the tournament when recovering from knee surgery, the US Open will mark the first time since 1999 that none of the players have appeared in the main draw of a Grand event. Slam.
Nadal, who has 19 Grand Slam wins, could have matched Federer's 20-game Slam win count in New York.
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