Nadal Opts Out Of US Open, Djokovic Returns With 7 Of Top 10

Rafael Nadal will not defend his US Open title, it was confirmed today. The US Open released their entries which included seven of the Top 10 men in the world, missing Nadal, the injured Roger Federer and Gael Monfils who also opted out.

“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.

“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.

“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.”

With no Nadal or Federer, it’s first Slam without either since the 1999 US Open!

Three-time champion Novak Djokovic will be the top seed with Dominic Thiem, 2019 finalist Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev among the current high seeds.

Fabio Fognini, Stan Wawrinka, Nick Kyrgios and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga are among those other big names to have passed on the event.

Their will also be no qualifying competition. The 127th-ranked Sumit Nagal was the last player to gain direct entry.

The tournament begins in just under four weeks on August 31, and with no penalties for withdrawal, most changes are expected. Eight wildcards are also still available and Andy Murray leads that list. The former champion just missed the cut at No. 129 but will likely get in as players pull out.