World’s No.1 Ashleigh Barty Decides to Skip 2020 US Open

Australia's Ashleigh Barty at the Women's Singles Final, 2019 French Open
Australia's Ashleigh Barty at the Women's Singles Final, 2019 French Open. Photo by Dave Shopland/BPI/Shutterstock (10298843da)

The world’s No.1 ranked tennis player Ashleigh Barty won’t make the trip to Flushing Meadows this year. Barty announced on Thursday that she decided to skip the 2020 edition of the US Open.

Barty explained her decision in a statement sent to Australian media, saying that the COVID-19 concerns made her uncomfortable traveling to the United States.

“I love both events, so it was a difficult decision,” said Barty. “But there are still significant risks involved due to Covid-19, and I don’t feel comfortable putting my team and I in that position.”

Barty added that she is still weighing her decision about taking part in the rescheduled French Open, which is set to take place in late September. The 24-year-old player is the tournament’s defending champion, with last year’s Roland Garros title being her first career Grand Slam.

Ashleigh Barty is the first no.1 player to skip the US Open since 2010 when Serena Williams had to sit out due to foot injury. She could be joined by several other top 10 players, as No. 5 Elina Svitolina, No. 6, and reigning US Open champion Bianca Andreescu and No. 10 Naomi Osaka are reportedly also considering to drop out.

The 2020 US Open is scheduled to take place from August 31st to September 13th, the first Grand Slam to take place since the coronavirus first broke. There will be no fans allowed on matches, with organizers installing strict safety and health protocols.

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