Elina Svitolina and Kiki Bertens, both ranked in the women’s top 10, withdrew on Friday from the US Open, joining other senior players in pulling out because of concerns about coronavirus.
“Considering all
aspects, I have decided not to play the US Open,” Svitolina, a Ukrainian ranked
number five, wrote on social media.
Bertens, a
Dutchwoman ranked seventh, said on Instagram that she made her decision after a
“long consideration.”
“The situation
around COVID-19 is still so worrying that the health of everyone comes first
and control of this virus is obviously a priority,” Bertens said.
Bertens said she
was heeding Dutch government warnings while Svitolina said she did not want to
risk travelling.
Svitolina thanked
the US Tennis Association and WTA “for giving the players a chance to play.”
“I understand and
respect all the efforts they are putting to make it happen in a safe
environment, but I still don’t feel comfortable to travel to the US without
putting my team and myself at risk,” wrote Svitolina, a semi-finalist at the US
Open last year.
Bertens announced
her decision after the Dutch government tightened health measures on Thursday.
“Our prime minister
also indicated yesterday that we should be quarantined for two weeks after
coming back from the States,” she said.
“This would hinder
the preparation for my beloved clay court tournaments in Rome and Paris,”
Bertens said, indicating that she could play at the French Open, which is due
to start in Paris on September 27.
Svitolina and
Bertens follow other top players who have announced their withdrawal from New
York including Rafael Nadal and women’s world number one Ashleigh Barty.
Serena Williams,
Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray are all still due to play.
