Ash Barty, the world No. 1 from Australia, has decided to skip the US Open due to ongoing health concerns amid the coronavirus crisis.
The French Open champion is the highest profile player to officially withdraw and openly express concerns about pandemic.
‘My team and I have decided that we won’t be travelling to the US for the Western and Southern Open and the US Open this year,’ Barty told Australian media.
‘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.
‘I wish the USTA all the best for the tournaments and look forward to being back in the US next year.’
Barty admitted she remains undecided on whether she will defend her title at Roland Garros less a matter of weeks after the US Open concludes.
‘I will make my decision on the French Open and the surrounding WTA European tournaments in the coming weeks,’ she added.
As it stands, the likes of Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and Johanna Konta will all travel to New York to compete at the Western & Southern Open before the US Open begins.
It would be a surprise if other players did not decide to withdraw, however, with the USA still the worst affected nation on earth.
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