Rafael Nadal to omit US Begin amid coronavirus pandemic

Defending champion Rafael Nadal will skip the 2020 U.S. Begin amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Nadal announced his resolution on Twitter Tuesday afternoon, pronouncing it is “a resolution I below no circumstances desired to prefer” however he would take hold of to handbook sure of touring factual now.

“The problem is amazingly advanced worldwide, the COVID-19 cases are increasing, it appears to be like like we nonetheless originate now now not like regulate of it. We know that the diminished tennis calendar is barbaric this 300 and sixty five days after 4 months stopped and not using a play, I realize and thank [you] for the efforts they are inserting in to have it happen,” Nadal wrote. “Right here’s a resolution I below no circumstances desired to prefer however I like determined to monitor my coronary heart this time and within the intervening time I pretty now now not commute.”

Nadal gained the match in 2019 to take hold of his 19th main trophy and he aimed to tie Roger Federer’s legend of 20 main titles this 300 and sixty five days. Ashleigh Barty (the No. 1-ranked girl) and Prick Kyrgios like already announced they’re going to omit the U.S. Begin.

Nadal’s resolution comes rapidly after the Madrid Begin used to be canceled on Tuesday following a spike in coronavirus cases in Spain. The match used to be to delivery with scheduled to be held in May per chance well well per chance additionally however organizers moved it to September as a result of Spain’s high alternative of coronavirus cases. The Madrid Begin used to be dwelling to delivery the European clay season following the conclusion of the U.S. Begin, however organizers had been knowledgeable remaining weekend by native authorities to assassinate the match.

The 2020 U.S. Begin will delivery as scheduled on Aug. 31 in Flushing Meadows, N.Y. There will be no followers in attendance this 300 and sixty five days as a result of the continuing pandemic.