World number eight Belinda Bencic has withdrawn from this year’s US Open, joining a growing list of players who have decided to skip the tournament amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bencic on Saturday announced her decision on Twitter where she also said she would skip the Western & Southern Open which is being held in New York this year instead of Cincinnati as a lead-up to the August 31 to September 13 US Open.
— Belinda Bencic (@BelindaBencic) August 15, 2020
“I have made the difficult decision to skip the US swing in New York and will return to the tour starting in Rome next month,” she said.
“I am looking forward to returning to New York next year and wish everyone competing there in the coming weeks the best of luck.”
The Swiss, who reached the semi-finals of the US Open last year, is the latest top-10 player on the women’s side to skip the major, joining Australian Ash Barty (one), Canadian Bianca Andreescu (six) Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina (five) and Dutchwoman Kiki Bertens (seven).
Bianca will be back in 2021 to win back her US Open title ? https://t.co/b1FrF6VQHC
— Bianca Andreescu Fans (@Andreescu_Fans) August 13, 2020
— Elina Svitolina (@ElinaSvitolina) August 7, 2020
Her decision means three of last year’s semi-finalists have withdrawn, with Serena Williams the only one of the four set to take part at Flushing Meadows.
The United States Tennis Association has decided to go ahead with the Grand Slam without spectators while players will be asked to follow strict measures, including regular testing, in a bid to avoid spread of the virus.
Rafael Nadal
Defending champion Rafael Nadal is among the men’s players who withdrew due to the pandemic.
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
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.
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) August 4, 2020
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. pic.twitter.com/8VA0aSACVy
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) August 4, 2020