Rafael Nadal insists US Open ‘is still a big tournament, it’s a Grand Slam’ despite withdrawals
The US Open may have had some high-profile withdrawals, but Rafael Nadal is adamant that it has not lost its glamour and “the winner will feel it”.
The 19-time major champion on Tuesday announced that he would not defend his title this year as “COVID-19 cases are increasing” and “it looks like we still don’t have control of it”.
His withdrawal came on the back of women’s world No 1 Ashleigh Barty and men’s world No 40 Nick Kyrgios also announcing that they would not be travelling to New York for the hard-court Grand Slam.
There have been suggestions that the tournament could turn into a farce if more players withdraw, but Nadal is having none of it.
Kevin Palmer: US Open rapidly developing into a farce after Rafael Nadal’s announcement
“The tournament is still big, it’s a Grand Slam,” the Spaniard said during video conference. “I am not that kind of a person, I am not that arrogant to say that the tournament in not big enough because I’m not playing.
“Of course, it will be a tournament under special circumstances but still a Grand Slam, and the winner will feel it, like a Grand Slam winner.”
World No 1 Novak Djokovic and former champion Andy Murray are on the entry list for the men while Serena Williams is one of 13 major winners in the women’s field.
Nadal was asked about the decision to go ahead with the tournament despite the coronavirus pandemic.
“I know my words can have repercussions. It’s difficult to say if it’s the right or not right decision,” he said. “I personally respect the positive intention and the amount of work USTA and ATP are doing to bring back our Tour.
“I respect and understand that there are lot of players that are in different situations than me and need to play. They need to make some money because they are facing financial problems.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official.
Latest
-
French OpenTalking points ahead of French Open: Rafael Nadal’s hunt for No 20, Andy Murray’s trip down memory lane
Nadal and Williams are both looking to make history.
-
French OpenMats Wilander previews the French Open as he outlines his fears for Rafael Nadal
Mats Wilander believes Rafael Nadal faces a very different challenge.
-
NewsJohanna Konta: ‘I’m playing against Coco Gauff, not her social media following’
Konta will take on the 16-year-old at Roland Garros.
-
NewsSerena Williams’ outlook on still playing at 39: ‘I don’t know when it’s going to stop for me. I just have fun’
Serena Williams still going strong at 39.
-
NewsDefending champion Rafael Nadal preparing for ‘most difficult conditions’ at Roland Garros
Cold, damp weather and heavier balls present a major challenge for Nadal.
-
NewsSimona Halep confident she can cope with weather as she prepares for French Open
Halep is the top seed and title favourite.
-
NewsAndy Murray finds humour in French Open rematch with Stan Wawrinka: ‘It’s an amusing draw’
Murray talks Roland Garros.
-
French OpenQ&A with tennis legend Chris Evert as she picks her French Open winners
Chris Evert has previews the upcoming Roland Garros.
-
French OpenJohn McEnroe on the challenges of playing on the red clay as he picks a French Open winner
John McEnroe warns Rafael Nadal faces fresh challenges.
-
NewsRoland Garros sees fan numbers slashed to just 1,000 per day due to coronavirus spike
French Open succumbs to Covid-19 resurgence.