World number two Rafa Nadal confirmed on Tuesday that he will not defend his US Open crown this year at Flushing Meadows as organisers released the singles entry list for the Grand Slam. Spain’s Nadal had said in June that he had reservations about travelling to the US amid the Covid-19 pandemic and he joins women’s world number one Australian Ash Barty in skipping the tournament due to Covid-19 concerns. “After many thoughts I have decided not to play this year’s US Open,” Nadal said on Twitter. “The situation is very complicated worldwide, the Covid-19 cases are increasing, it looks like we still don’t have control of it.
“We know that the reduced tennis calendar is barbaric this year after 4 months stopped with no play, I understand and thank (everyone) for the efforts they are putting in to make it happen. We have just seen the announcement of Madrid not being played this year.
“We know that the reduced tennis calendar is barbaric this year after 4 months stopped with no play, I understand and thank (everyone) for the efforts they are putting in to make it happen. We have just seen the announcement of Madrid not being played this year.
