New York: World No 2 Simona Halep of Romania on Monday said that she will not travel to New York to play in the US Open due to Covid-19 concerns. Halep joined world No 1 Ash Barty, defending champion Bianca Andreescu, Elina Svitolina, Kiki Bertens and Belinda Bencic in giving the event at Flushing Meadows a miss.
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 U.S. Open, Halep, the reigning Wimbledon champion, wrote on Twitter.
‘I always said I would put my health at the heart of my decision and 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.’