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.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE...

9 sports men love to watch women play

There is something about an athletic woman that gets men rowdy and revved up. The outfits, the pheromones and sculpted bodies have them behaving worse that dogs in h…

Rafael Nadal beats Novak Djokovic for 13th French Open title

Rafael Nadal defeated Novak Djokovic to claim a 13th French Open title today. Nadal won in straight sets 6-0, 6-2, 7-5 to extend his record at the Roland Garros clay…

Injury forces Serena Williams out of French Open

Serena Williams hit another hiccup on her road to a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title when she was forced to withdraw from the French Open due to injury. Willia…

Serena Williams on quest for #24 with first round win at French Open

Serena Williams began her French Open campaign with a win over fellow American Kristie Ahn at the Court Philippe Chatrier today (September 28). Williams beat Ahn 7-6…

Previous Next