Coronavirus concerns have compelled another Grand Slam champion to depart the US Open field.
Two-time Grand Slam champion Svetlana Kuznetsova has opted out of this month's Western & Southern Open, which will be played at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, and the US Open, scheduled to start on August 31st.
"Due to an unfavorable situation caused by coronavirus, and therefore the inability get together all my team I made a difficult decision to refuse to participate in Cincinnati and the US Open," Kuznetsova posted on Instagram. "I feel very sad, because I have been waited for these tournaments so much, but the pandemic changes all plans."
Друзья! В связи с неблагоприятной ситуацией из-за короновируса, а также отсутствием возможности организовать необходимые перелеты для сбора моей команды, я приняла сложное для себя решение – отказаться от участия в Cincinnati и US Open 😔 Мне очень жаль, так как я сильно ждала этих турниров, но пандемия изменила все планы. Надеюсь, что к следующим соревнованиям ситуация в мире станет стабильнее. Всем участникам и болельщикам желаю удачи и здоровья! Берегите себя и своих близких! 🙏 // Dear friends, Due to an unfavorable situation caused by coronavirus, and therefore the inability get together all my team I made a difficult decision to refuse to participate in Cincinnati and the US Open 😔 I feel very sad, because I have been waited for these tournaments so much, but the pandemic changes all plans. I hope the situation will be more positive by the next tournaments. I wish good luck and strong health to all participants and fans! Take care of yourself and your family! 🙏
A post shared by Svetlana Kuznetsova/ Кузнецова (@svetlanak27) on
In 2004, Kuznetsova defeated compatriot Elena Dementieva in the the US Open final to capture her first Grand Slam singles title. She reached the US Open doubles final the same year.
The 35 year-old Russian, who has failed to surpass the Flushing Meadows second round for six straight years, joins reigning US Open champion Rafael Nadal, world No. 1 Ashleigh Barty, three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka and former US Open semifinalists Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils in declining to take the trip to New York. Five-time US Open champion Roger Federer is also out for the season recovering from his second arthroscopic knee surgery of the year.
Photo credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve