By David Awopetu
Last year’s French Open champion, Ashleigh Barty, is withdrawing from the US Open, citing concerns regarding the coronavirus pandemic.
The Australian announced her withdrawal from the Grand Slam event and a lead-up tournament, saying she did not want to put herself and her support crew through the risks involved in such an effort during the pandemic.
Top ranked Barty said, “I wish the USTA all the best for the tournaments and I look forward to being back in the US next year.”
World number two, Simona Halep, and 2019 US Open champion, Bianca Andreescu, have not entered the lead-up tournament.
Barty said she would make a decision on whether to defend her title at the rescheduled French Open, which is due to begin on 27 September, “in the coming weeks”.
The Western and Southern Open is due to take place from August 15, with the US Open starting on August 31.
