Tennis: Nadal to skip U.S. Open due to COVID-19 concerns, entries announced

Rafael Nadal of Spain (R) is embraced by Roger Federer of Switzerland after defeating him in their finals match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London July 6, 2008. REUTERS/File Photo

World number two Rafa Nadal confirmed on Tuesday that he will not defend his U.S. Open crown this year at Flushing Meadows as organisers released the singles entry list for the Grand Slam.

Spain's Nadal had said in June that he had reservations about travelling to the U.S. amid the COVID-19 pandemic and he joins women's world number one Australian Ash Barty in skipping the tournament due to COVID-19 concerns.