Tennis legend Rafael Nadal has pulled out of the US Open due to concerns over the Coronavirus pandemic.
The world’s no.1 tennis player said he doesn’t feel it is safe to travel to America to participate in the tournament.
The US Open will kickstart on August 1, with Roger Federer and also ruled out due to a knee injury.
But in an Instagram post, Nadal said it’s a difficult decision to make but he has to consider his health, too.
“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,” the Spaniard wrote.
“We know that the reduced tennis calendar is barbaric this year after 4 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.”
He added: “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.”
The US Open will still feature some of the world’s best tennis players, with Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic in contention.
