MX23RW : Saturday, October 10 21:04:24| >> :600:4690247:4690247:

World number two Simona Halep pulls out of US Open

World number two Simona Halep pulls out of US Open
© Reuters
The Romanian follows the likes of Rafael Nadal, Ashleigh Barty and Bianca Andreescu in pulling out.

World number two Simona Halep is the latest big name to pull out of the US Open.

Halep, a two-time grand slam champion, has opted to stay in Europe amid fears over coronavirus and becomes the sixth member of the top 10 to withdraw.

The tournament in New York gets under way at Flushing Meadows on August 31, just days after the Western & Southern Open has taken place at the same site.

Halep said on Twitter: "After weighing up all the factors involved and with the exceptional circumstances in which we are living, I have decided that I will not travel to New York to play the @usopen.

"I always said I would put my health at the heart of my decision and I therefore prefer to stay and train in Europe. I know the @usta and @WTA have worked tirelessly to put on a safe event and I wish everyone there a successful tournament."

Halep joins defending men's champion Rafael Nadal, reigning women's champion Bianca Andreescu and women's world number one Ashleigh Barty in not playing the tournament.

The Romanian, who won a WTA tournament in Prague over the weekend, is opting to stay and train in Europe ahead of the clay-court swing, which commences immediately after the US Open.

Her withdrawal is another blow to tournament organisers, who have seen a raft of high-profile names pull out of the grand slam.

Barty was the first to do so, with Nadal following suit soon after as the world's top names still have concerns over travelling while infection rates of Covid-19 remain so high.

From the women's top 10, 2018 champion Naomi Osaka and Karolina Pliskova are the only non-Americans not to have pulled out, with Pliskova still considering her options.

On the men's side, world number one Novak Djokovic announced last week that he intends to play despite some earlier misgivings.

Djokovic, who has had the virus after staging an exhibition tournament without any social distancing in Serbia and Croatia, was concerned that safety protocols in the bio-secure bubble were too strong, but he has since confirmed he will travel.

Andy Murray will also play in the tournament after travelling to the United States last week.

ID:410628:
Latest coronavirus PSA banner

Coronavirus outbreak - Click here for more stories

Click here for more stories about Simona Halep

Share this article now:
Did you know...?
Bianca Andreescu celebrates winning the US Open on September 7, 2019
Read Next:
Reigning champion Bianca Andreescu pulls out of US Open
>
Latest Sports Video

rhs 2.0
Nations League
Nations League
Nations League
League One
League Two
National League
National League North
National League South
Scottish League Cup
League of Ireland Premier
Welsh Premier League
Segunda Division
Eerste Divisie
World Cup Qualifying - South America
Major League Soccer
Brasileiro
Uruguayan Primera Division
J1 League
International Friendlies
Women's Super League
Gallagher Premiership Playoffs

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!