Defending US Open champion Rafael Nadal announced that he will not be a part of this year’s competition over ongoing Coronavirus fears.

Taking to Twitter, Nadal announced his withdrawal from the US Open.

He wrote, “This is a decision I never wanted to take but I have decided to follow my heart this time and for the time being I rather not travel.”

This is a decision I never wanted to take but I have decided to follow my heart this time and for the time being I rather not travel. pic.twitter.com/8VA0aSACVy

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— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) August 4, 2020

He further added, “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.”

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

We know that the reduced tennis calendar is barbaric this year after 4 months stopped with no play, I understand and thank for the efforts they are putting in to make it happen. We have just seen the announcement of Madrid not being played this year.

— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) August 4, 2020

Rafael Nadal in another tweet wrote, “All my respects to the USTA, the US Open organisers and the ATP for trying to put the event together for the players and the fans around the world through TV.”

All my respects to the USTA, the US Open organisers and the ATP for trying to put the event together for the players and the fans around the world through TV.

— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) August 4, 2020

The five-time US Open winner has 19 Grand Slam wins to his name and would have been chasing arch-rival Roger Federer’s record of 20 majors.

Earlier, world-number-one women’s singles player Ashleigh Barty had also pulled out of the tournament due to the coronavirus pandemic.

However, the 2020 edition of the US Open will held behind closed doors for the first time from August 31.

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