The world’s Top 2 are officially out of the US Open.
World No. 2 Simona Halep joined top-ranked Ashleigh Barty in officially withdrawing from the US Open today.
More: Halep Wins 21st Career Championship
Halep, who defeated Elise Mertens in the Prague Open final on red clay yesterday to capture her 21st career title, will focus on the European clay-court season.
The two-time Grand Slam champion said health concerns over the Coronavirus climate was a primary factor in her decision.
“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 US Open,” Halep posted on Twitter.
1/2After 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
I always said I would put my health at the heart of my decision
— Simona Halep (@Simona_Halep) August 17, 2020
2/2and I therefore prefer to stay and train in Europe. I know the @usta and @WTA have worked tirelessly to put on a safe event and I wish everyone there a successful tournament 🙏
— Simona Halep (@Simona_Halep) August 17, 2020
The Wimbledon champion’s withdrawal means six of the world’s Top 10-ranked women—Barty, Halep, defending US Open champion Bianca Andreescu, Kiki Bertens and US Open semifinalists Elina Svitolina and Belinda Bencic—will not play the US Open, which is set to start on August 31st.
The 2018 Roland Garros champion’s withdrawal is not a surprise.
Halep had previously expressed safety concerns over the Coronavirus and a possible quarantine if she traveled to New York City.
Photo credit: Photo credit: TK Sparta Praha/Prague Open
