Barty Out, Osaka In For US Open

Two Grand Slam champions made their decisions regarding the US Open the last 24 hours.

French Open winner and World No. 1 Ash Barty said she will not be playing the US Open or Cincinnati, citing Coronavirus fears.

“My team and I have decided that we won’t be travelling to the US for the Western and Southern Open and the US Open this year,” she said in a statement.

“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.

“I will make my decision on the French Open and the surrounding WTA European tournaments in the coming weeks.”

Meanwhile, 2018 champion Naomi Osaka will return to the US Open, and she will also try to get a wildcard for Cincinnati, according to Reuters.

Being US-based, makes it far easier for Osaka to commit to playing the two events compared to Barty and other Australians who face more challenges.

Cincinnati begins on August 20. The US Open starts August 31.

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