Rafael Nadal PULLS OUT of this year’s US Open amid concerns over coronavirus  

Rafael Nadal has confirmed he won’t be playing in the US Open this year after expressing concerns about the coronavirus pandemic.  

The Spanish world No.2 won the title last year but won’t be defending it this time, admitting it was ‘a decision I never wanted to take’, but said the current situation was ‘very complicated’.

In a statement posted on social media, he slammed the ‘barbaric’ tennis schedule during the pandemic and insisted he was forced to ‘follow my heart’.

Rafael Nadal has pulled out of the US Open, citing concerns around the coronavirus pandemic

The Spaniard won the competition last year but said the health situation was ‘still complicated’

‘After many thoughts I have decided not to play this year’s US Open,’ he said in a statement. ‘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 four months stopped with no play, I understand and thank for the efforts they are putting in to make it happen. We have just seen the announcement of Madrid not being played this year.

‘All my respects to the USTA, the US Open organisers and the ATP for trying to put the event together for the players and the fans around the world through TV.

‘This is a decision I never wanted to take but I have decided to follow my heart this time and for the time being I rather not travel.’

He said it was a decision he ‘never wanted to take’ and hit out at the ‘barbaric’ tennis calendar

Nadal has not played since February when he won the Mexican Open after beating Taylor Fritz 6-3, 6-2 in the final. 

It comes a week after Women’s world No.1 Ashleigh Barty also pulled out of the tournament over COVID-19 fears, saying she felt uncomfortable’ taking the ‘significant risks’ involved in taking part.

‘My team and I have decided that we won’t be travelling to Western and Southern Open and the US Open this year. 

Women’s world No.1 Ashleigh Barty also withdrew from the tournament over health concerns

The event confirmed Novak Djokovic would lead the top stars competiting at the end of August

‘I love both events, so it was a difficult decision but there are still significant risks involved due to COVID-19 and I don’t feel comfortable putting my team and I in that position.’

Meanwhile, the competition’s organisers have confirmed that world No.1 Nojak Djokovic will be appearing at Flushing Meadows when it starts on August 31.

A press release, which did not even mention Nadal’s name, announced that the Serbian star would be headlining the men’s singles entry with Dominic Thiem, Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev.