On Monday, Mutua Madrid Open 2020 announced the cancelation of their this year’s edition due to the coronavirus pandemic. Soon after, The New York Times’ tennis correspondent conveyed that reigning US Open champion Rafael Nadal has decided to stay on the US Open 2020 entry list.

However 24 hours later, Spaniard ace Rafa addressed his fanbase on social media and informed about his withdrawal due to the complicated situation all around the globe.

US Open 2020’s statement from Rafael Nadal

“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,” Nadal tweeted.

“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. 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,” Nadal concluded.

By doing so, Rafael Nadal will not drop any points, with the tennis tour’s renewed ranking scheme, 19-time Grand Slam will be retaining all his 2,000 points from New York. The Spanish maestro is expected to be present for the Grand Slam in Paris, his favorite tournament French Open 2020. Therein, he’d be striving to reach Major number 20.

Nadal has been practicing on clay during the tennis’ suspension period. He was supposed to play Madrid Open on his home-turf, but all to the pandemic, the event was called off. However, its sister tournament in Rome, Italian Open will be taking place from September 20, and defending champion Rafa is expected to be present at the tournament as warn up for Roland Garros.

With this, it’s the first time in 21 years, a Grand Slam tournament will not feature both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. The US Open 1999 did not host the ‘FEDAL’ pair and two decades later, the world witnessed two massive withdrawals from a Slam event.   Previously, Federer called off his 2020 season as he underwent knee surgeries.

On the WTA track, World Number one tennis player Ashleigh Barty pulled out from the US Open 2020 citing due to the pandemic, and she’s not interested in putting her teammates’ lives in danger.

Source – Rafa Nadal’s Official Twitter Account