Rafael Nadal will NOT defend his US Open title due to Covid-19 fears
- Nadal pulled out of the US Open due to coronavirus fears
- Spaniard concerned with the prevalence of the global pandemic
- Nadal won the title last year but will not be defending it
- Mental Health and Psychosocial considerations during the COVID-19 pandemic
Rafael Nadal pulled out of the US title over coronavirus fears.
The Spaniard made the shocking announcement by declaring that he will not compete in the US Open title in New York in August.
The reigning champion was set to defend the title he won last year but this will not open in what he terms as ‘concerns and fears of the coronavirus prevalence’.
The Spaniard’s announcement came hours after the clay court in Madrid Open reported that it was not going to go on as initially planned in September.
Nadal is not the only one set to miss the competition as women’s world number one Ash Barty also set to miss the opens in New York.
In his statement, Nadal said:
‘After many thoughts I have decided not to play,’
‘The situation is very complicated worldwide, Covid 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 four months stopped with no play. I understand and thank them for the efforts they are putting in to make it happen.
‘All my respects to the USTA (US Tennis Association), the US Open organisers, and the ATP for trying to put the event together for the players and fans around the world through TV.’