Defending Champion Rafael Nadal Withdraws From US Open Amid COVID-19 Concerns

The 33-year-old made it clear that he regrets his decision of withdrawing from the US Open but added that it would be wise to stay home at Spain and not travel to the United States given the hazards posed by the cororonavirus pandemic.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 12: Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a backhand during his final singles match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia on day 10 of the ATP Cup at Ken Rosewall Arena on January 12, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Andy Cheung/Getty Images)

In what comes as a heartbreaking news for die hard Rafael Nadal fans, the Spanish tennis great and defending US Open champion will skip the last grand slam of the year at Flushing Meadows in New York due to the coronvirus pandemic.  Taking to twitter on Tuesday, Nadal explained his decision behind pulling out of the grand slam in a series of tweets written in both Spanish and English. “The situation is very complicated worldwide, the COVID-19 cases are increasing, it looks like we still don’t have control of it,” Nadal wrote.

After many thoughts I have decided not to play this year’s US Open. The situation is very complicated worldwide, the COVID-19 cases are increasing, it looks like we still don’t have control of it.

— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) August 4, 2020

The 33-year-old made it clear that he regrets his decision of withdrawing from the US Open but added that it would be wise to stay home at Spain and not travel to the United States given the hazards posed by the cororonavirus pandemic. Nadal's withdrawal from the US Open adds to the growing list of tennis stars who have pulled out of the grand slam citing concerns over the risks posed by the coronavirus. Before Nadal's pull out, the number one ranked women's player in the world Ashleigh Barty and Australia's top singles player Nick Kyrgios also pulled out of the tournament and called for other athletes to think of others and make a smart decision regarding play. With 19 Grand Slam singles titles in his kitty, Nadal is only one grand slam title behind his arch rival Roger Federer (20), and the Spaniard would certainly miss on a great opportunity on levelling with the Swiss ace in the list of all time singles titles. The US Open is scheduled to run from August 31 to September 13 in New York amid the coronavirus pandemic.