The Rafael Nadal US Open 2020 dream is over with the Spaniard pulling out of this year’s event citing the Coronavirus pandemic.
Rafael Nadal has caused a stir in the tennis world by announcing to not participate in the US Open. He has taken to Twitter to announce this, expectedly mentioned Covid-19 as the reason. Nadal went on to wish luck to the ATP and USTA for organising the event. The fortnight-long US Open is scheduled to start on the 31st of August.
Rafael Nadal US Open 2020 participation
The Spaniard gave a very candid account of why he was pulling out of the event. He focussed on how the coronavirus pandemic hasn’t slowed down and that there were a lot of uncertainties around the event.
Rafa has chosen health over a grand slam title and one could expect a few others to follow suit as well.
“After much thought I have decided not to participate in this year’s US Open. The health situation is still very complicated worldwide with cases of COVID-19 and outbreaks that seem out of control. We know that this year’s calendar after 4 months without playing is outrageous. Although I understand and appreciate the efforts that all parties are putting into tournaments.”
“Today the situation is difficult to do tournaments and all my respect to the USTA, organizers of the US Open and the ATP for the efforts they are making to play the tournament for the millions of fans who will see it on TV or on digital platforms. This is a decision that I would not want to make but in this case I follow my heart to decide that for now I prefer not to travel.”
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
No Federer vs Nadal possible in this edition
This announcement comes after Roger Federer had already pulled out of the Grand Slam due to a surgery. Incredibly, this will be the first grand slam since US Open 1999 where both Federer and Nadal will not be participating.
This is the first grand slam since 2004 that the Big Three won’t be part of. Roger Federer had earlier opted out of the remainder of the season owing to a surgery. This will also be the first grand slam since US Open 1999 that Federer and Nadal are both not part.
Read more: World no. 1 Novak Djokovic had earlier tested positive for the coronavirus.
