On the men’s side we see that only one of the worlds top 10 players has pulled out of the U.S. Open because of Corona concerns (though two have yet to make a decision).
On the women’s side we have seen much different story of the Top 10 in the world.
Ashleigh Barty is OUT. When she announced she was pulling out of Flushing Meadows made international headlines. The Australian said she was uncomfortable traveling within the United States at this time.
Simona Halep is OUT. The Romanian is choosing to stay in Europe versus travel to the United States. She, too, cited the global pandemic as the reason for her pulling out of the U.S. Open.
Karolina Pliskova is IN. Plishkova is excited to play according to reports. Plishkova still hasn’t earned a Grand Slam Title and she has been closest in New York.
Sofia Kenin is IN. The American who is coming off her first ever Grand Slam in Melbourne is ready to play again in a Major.
Elina Svitolina is OUT. She too expressed concerns about traveling to the United States and is choosing to stay in Europe.
Bianca Andreescu is OUT. In her statement on social media she says she is not prepared to compete to the level she expects at the U.S. Open, and thus won’t be competing. Her inability to train because of the pandemic is the issue not safety issues at the event.
Kiki Bertens is OUT. Bertens announced at the same time as Svitolina that she would opt out of the U.S Open. She sited European countries insistence that those who travel to the US when they return must quarantine for 14 days as the reason.
Belinda Bencic is OUT. Bencic is quite vague on her reasons for withdrawing but does sound like she wants to play the clay court season starting next month.
Serena Williams is IN. Williams has made it loud and clear that she will be attending her home open and has been encouraging about the efforts put in to keep players safe.
Naomi Osaka is IN. Her management team confirmed she is entered into the event she won two years ago and plans to play.
The women’s draw is a completely different story than the men’s. Of the Top 10 in the World, 6 will not be at the U.S. Open. Though the biggest names will be there including Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff. But it will diminish the results and event with the loss of these top talents.
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