By David Awopetu
Defending Champion, Rafael Nadal, has announced his withdrawal from the US Open this year citing concerns over Covid-19.
Spanish world number two, Nadal, 34, has not entered the tournament, which takes place in New York from 31 August.
Nadal said, “The health situation is very complicated around the world with cases increasing and flare-ups,”
“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.”
Meanwhile, World No. 1 Novak Djokovic headlines the initial men’s singles entry list for the US Open, the organisers have announced.
Djokovic, a three-time US Open champion, leads an entry list that includes seven of the world’s Top 10 men, who are set to compete August 31-September 13 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, New York.
Joining Djokovic are Dominic Thiem, Daniil Medvedev (a 2019 US Open finalist), Stefanos Tsitsipas, Alexander Zverev, Matteo Berrettini and David Goffin.
20-time Grand Slam Champion, Roger Federer, had previously withdrawn from all remaining competition this year with a right knee injury.
In women’s part, nine of the top 10 will feature on the initial singles entry list. The field is led by world No.2 Simona Halep, No.3 Karolina Pliskova, Sofia Kenin, Elina Svitolina and defending champion Bianca Andreescu.
Serena Williams, a six-time US Open and 23-time Grand Slam champion, will also play the major event.
In June, the US Open was given the green light to be played without spectators due to the coronavirus pandemic. It’s scheduled to run from August 31 to September 13.
