Tennis: Defending champion Rafael Nadal won’t travel to US Open
Rafael Nadal will not defend his US Open title this month, announcing he would “rather not travel”
Rafael Nadal will not defend his US Open title this month. The 19-times grand-slam champion announced on Wednesday he would “rather not travel” because of the “very complicated” health situation at present.
Nadal’s decision comes as a significant blow to organisers, who have put in a lot of effort to ensure that the tournament goes ahead, behind closed doors, in New York from August 31 to September 13.
It is the first time that a grand-slam draw will be without Nadal and Roger Federer — also absent after two knee operations this year — since the 1999 US Open.
There had been growing speculation in recent weeks that Nadal, 34, was focusing on his preparations for the French Open — which starts on September 27 — after footage emerged of training sessions on clay rather than hard courts.
Confirmation came when his name was absent from the entry list, for which the deadline passed on Tuesday.
“After many thoughts, I have decided not to play this year’s US Open,” Nadal said. “The situation is very complicated worldwide, the COVID-19 cases are increasing, it looks like we still don’t have control of it. 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 (would) rather not travel.”
Nadal will now have to wait until the French Open to have the chance to equal Federer’s record of 20 grand-slam men’s singles titles. Novak Djokovic, the world No 1 from Serbia, has committed to the US Open and can move to within one title of Nadal if he wins.
Andy Murray, ranked No 129 after his injury troubles, has signed up and is the first alternate but the 2012 champion is sure to receive a wildcard if there are no further withdrawals.
Nine of the world’s top 10 women will participate, including Serena Williams as she bids to equal Margaret Court’s 24 grand-slam singles titles. Australia’s world No 1 Ash Barty will not be playing.
The tennis calendar was cut further when the Madrid Open, due to have taken place immediately after the US Open, was cancelled because of a rise of coronavirus cases in the city.
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