Rafael Nadal said on Tuesday that he will take part in the
Madrid Open, raising doubts about whether he intends to defend his title at the
US Open.
The US Open, whose fate still hangs in the balance, is
scheduled to run from August 31 to September 13 on the hard courts of New York
while the main draw at the Madrid event on clay starts on September 14.
Madrid will serve as a warmup for the rescheduled French
Open, the claycourt Grand Slam that begins on September 20.
The Madrid tournament director Feliciano Lopez tweeted:
“I have spoken to my friend Rafael Nadal who confirmed his participation
in Madrid in September. As always, we await you with open arms in the Caja
Magica!”
Nadal answered: “That’s right Feli. See you in
September in Madrid. Meanwhile everything is going well!”
The United States has seen a sharp resurgence of new
coronavirus cases, leading to fresh doubts about whether the US Open will take
place.
Leading players, including world number three Dominic
Thiem, have said they expect a decision from US Open organisers this week.