Rafael Nadal, the world’s second ranked men’s tennis player, today said he will not defend his US Open title due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Nadal shared his decision in a series of tweets posted to his page.

The Spanish native said, “The situation is very complicated worldwide, the COVID-19 cases are increasing, it looks like we still don’t have control of it.”

The decision is not one he wanted to make, Nadal said, but continued that he would “rather not travel”.

“We know that the reduced tennis calendar is barbaric this year after 4 months stopped with no play,” the four-time US Open champion said. “I understand and thank for the efforts they are putting in to make it happen.”

Winning the US Open would have seen Nadal earn his 20^th Grand Slam title, equalling Roger Federer’s leading mark.

The US Open will get underway on August 31.

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