There are fresh doubts concerning another former Grand Slam champion and her presence at this year’s US Open.
Garbine Muguruza has pulled out of next week’s Western and Southern Open in what is the warm up event before the New York major. The world No.16 has been forced to skip the event due to ‘discomfort’ in her left ankle as she faces a race against time to be ready for the next Grand Slam. In a statement the Spaniard didn’t elaborate on the severity of her pain or how long she has experienced it.
“Following the recommendation of my medical team, I have decided to withdraw from the Western and Southern Open due to discomfort in my left ankle,” the two-time major winner wrote on Twitter. “I really want to get back on Tour, and do it in New York. I know that the WTA and USTA are making a great effort to make it possible for us to play and I will work hard so that I can be there in a few days.“
The 26-year-old is one of the top women players who have constantly voiced support for playing at this year’s US Open amid the ongoing pandemic. During a recent interview with news agency EFE she said ‘It is better to play than to not play, but I understand that there are mixed feelings.’ Her best performance at the US Open was back in 2017 when she reached the fourth round.
Muguruza started 2020 by winning 16 out of 20 matches played prior to the Tour being suspended due to COVID-19. At the Australian Open she reached the final for the first time before falling in three sets to Sofia Kenin. Muguruza also reached the semi-finals of the Shenzhen Open and the quarter-finals of three other tournaments this year.
Halep says no
Earlier in the day Simona Halep became the sixth top-10 player on the WTA Tour to pull out of the US Open amid concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic. She confirmed her withdrawal less than 24 hours after winning the Prague Open in what was her first taste of competitive tennis since February.
“After weighing up all the factors involved and with the exceptional circumstances in which we are living, I have decided that I will not travel to New York to play the @usopen,” tweeted Halep.
“I always said I would put my health at the heart of my decision and I therefore prefer to stay and train in Europe.”
Due to the recent trend in withdrawals world No.3 Karolina Pliskova is on course to be the top seed at the Grand Slam. The other top-10 players set to participate are Sofia Kenin, Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka. As of August 17th, 13 out of the world’s top 50 will not be playing.
“I know the @usta and @WTA have worked tirelessly to put on a safe event and I wish everyone there a successful tournament,” Halep concluded.
The US Open will start on August 31st.
