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Kiki Bertens - out of US Open
Tennis News, US Open Tennis, WTA Tennis Players

US Open dealt another double blow as two more top players withdraw due to ‘too high a risk’


The US Open has been dealt another huge blow to its legitimacy this year after two more top players announced they would not play.

WTA world number one and ATP world number two, and defending US Open champion, Rafael Nadal had already pulled out over safety grounds.

Now the WTA field has been weakened even further with two more of the top ten announcing their withdrawal.

“After long consideration I have decided not to go to the states for Cincinnati and the Us open,” world number seven Kiki Bertens confirmed on Instagram.

“The situation around COVID-19 is still that worrying and the health of everyone and the control over this virus is priority.

“Our prime minister indicated yesterday that we should be quarantined for 14 days after coming back from the states.

“Off course we respect this as a team and this would disturb our preparation for my beloved clay court tournaments in Rome and Paris.

Elina Svitolina

“I hope the situation will soon take a positive turn and wish everyone good health. Take care!”

That was quickly followed by world number five, and semi-finalist last year, Elina Svitolina revealing her decision to opt out too.

“Considering all the aspects, I have decided to not play the US Open 2020,” Svitolina said.

“I want to thank the USTA, organizers and WTA for giving the players a chance to play and the fans a chance to watch this great event.

“I understand and respect all the efforts they are putting to make it happen in a safe environment, but I still don’t feel comfortable to travel to US without putting my team and myself at high risk.”


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Michael Graham, Tennishead.net Editor, has been a professional sports journalist for his whole career and is especially passionate about tennis. He's been the Editor of Tennishead.net for over 5 years and loves watching live tennis by visiting as many tournaments as possible. Michael specialises in writing in-depth features about the ATP & WTA tours.