Rafael Nadal will skip this year’s U.S. Open, the defending champion announced in a series of tweets on Tuesday, citing concerns over the coronavirus and his desire not to travel amid the pandemic.
Spain’s Nadal would have attempted to tie Roger Federer for most Grand Slam titles — 20. Nadal is the second player to pull out of the tournament in recent days. Ashleigh Barty, the world’s No. 1 women’s singles player, announced last week that because of the pandemic, she would not compete in the tournament, which starts Aug. 31.
As cases of the coronavirus continue to surge, U.S. sport franchises have had to assess how to safely allow players to compete in an industry that typically relies on throngs of cheering fans and close interactions between players.
The MLB, the NBA and the NHL have all launched regular seasons, none with fans in attendance.
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Still, the virus has already infiltrated the MLB, particularly within the Miami Marlins, where at least 17 players and two coaches have tested positive for the virus. League-wide, more than 80 players and two dozen coaches have been confirmed positive.
In the NBA, teams have been strictly sequestered in a “bubble” at Walt Disney World Resort outside Orlando, Fla., where the remaining regular season games will be played. Eight teams did not qualify for the abbreviated season.
