New drop confirmed for the US Open in the women's draw. After the resignation of Ashleigh Barty and Belinda Bencic was known, this Monday they made their absence official the number 2 in the WTA ranking, the Romanian Simona Halep.
Halep, who already had doubts about whether to attend the tournament and who said she would make a firm decision after the Prague Tournament (where she was proclaimed champion) has announced her final resignation through social networks. “After evaluating all the factors involved and with the exceptional circumstances that we are experiencing, I have decided not to travel to New York to play in the US Open. I have always said that I would put my health at the center of the decision and that is why I prefer to continue training in Europe. I know that the USTA and WTA have worked hard to celebrate a safe event and I wish you a successful tournament. “
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After weighing up all the factors involved and with the exceptional circumstances in which we are living, I have decided that I will not travel to New York to play the @usopen
I always said I would put my health at the heart of my decision
– Simona Halep (@Simona_Halep) August 17, 2020
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and I therefore prefer to stay and train in Europe. I know the @usta and @WTA have worked tirelessly to put on a safe event and I wish everyone there a successful tournament ????
– Simona Halep (@Simona_Halep) August 17, 2020
He left the unknown until Prague
Romanian Simona Halep, world number two, announced that she would decide whether to participate in the US Open after the WTA tournament in Prague.
“I need to feel things, see the changes that they (the US Open organizers) are going to make about the trip and everything else,” said the world number two, referring to the American Open, which will be held from August 31 to September 13, and pointing to the “harsh” conditions in this country due to the coronavirus pandemic.
With the removal of Halep, the Australian Ashleigh Barty, number one in the world, the Ukrainian Elina Svitolina (5) and the Dutch Kiki Bertens (7), the tournament feels some uncertainty among the participants, despite the decision of the organizers to create a safe “bubble” in New York, with a strict protocol and no spectators.
“I know it is very strict, it is a bit stressful from my point of view,” Halep added in Prague, according to local media. “But these safety rules are necessary, Health is the most important. My priority is my health, the mental part, and I don't want to stress over anything. I will base my final decision on that, “he said.