Putting an end to the month-long uncertainty, Simona Halep, World No. 2, has pulled out of the US Open. Many top athletes from the tennis world, including Rafael Nadal and Elina Svitolina, have withdrawn their names from the upcoming tournament, which is starting in Flushing Meadows this month. "I always said I would put my health at the heart of my decision," Simona Halep wrote on Twitter clarifying her decision.
The US Open is slated to take place from August 31 to September 13. We’ve all been patiently waiting for Halep to work her magic again on the court. However, the 28-year-old Romanian has decided not to travel to the United States amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Taking to her social media account, she said that she won't participate in the Cincinnati Open and the US Open. Her decision came a day after Switzerland's Belinda Bencic also withdrew from the tournament.
"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 (sic)," tweeted Halep, the current Wimbledon champion.
What You Should Know
- World No.2 Simona Halep won't participate in the upcoming US Open.
- Simona Halep has decided against travelling to the United States amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Several top athletes have withdrawn their names from the tournament.
Acknowledging the efforts put by the USTA and the WTA to make the US Open event safer, the Romanian added: "I know the @usta and @WTA have worked tirelessly to put on a safe event and I wish everyone there a successful tournament (sic)."
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On August 16, Halep won the Prague Open (the second post-lockdown WTA event) after beating the third seed, Elise Mertens in the finals. The World No.2 wasn't in her best form but was sharp enough to overcome the Belgian 6-2 7-5. This was her 21st WTA title winning. She surpassed Victoria Azarenka to move ahead in the list of most titles among active players.
If she was participating in the US Open, she would have been the top-ranked player as World No.1 Ash Barty has already withdrawn her name.
Serena Williams, however, is seeking a 24th career Grand Slam title to equal Margaret Court's all-time record.
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Feature Image Credit: skysports
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