World no. 1 Barty not playing in US Open due to COVID-19 concerns

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

World No.1 Ash Barty is withdrawing from the US Open due to COVID-19 fears, including plane travels and mass gatherings.

So far, Barty is the biggest name that announced her withdrawal from one of the most prized tennis tournaments and is a part of the Grand Slam series.

“My team and I have decided that we won’t be travelling to Western and Southern Open and the U.S. Open this year. I love both events, so it was a difficult decision 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,” said Barty.

Barty, who is from Australia, expressed the difficulty and inconvenience in traveling because her country already closed all of its borders as part of their protocol in combatting COVID-19.

Before traveling and going back to Australia, Barty has to ask permission from the Australian government and flight options are still limited.

“I wish the USTA all the best for the tournaments and I look forward to being back in the U.S. next year,” Barty added.