Nadal withdraws from U.S. Open, Madrid Open canceled

Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates with the trophy after winning his Men's Singles final at the 2019 U.S. Open in New York, September 8, 2019. /VCG

Defending champion Rafael Nadal said Tuesday he will not play the U.S. Open, citing concerns over the coronavirus.

"After many thoughts I have decided not to play this year's U.S. Open," the world No.2 said on Twitter.

"The situation is very complicated worldwide, the COVID-19 cases are increasing, it looks like we still don't have control of it…This is a decision I never wanted to take but I have decided to follow my heart this time and for the time being I rather not travel."

The U.S. Open in New York, scheduled for August 31 through September 13, will be followed a fortnight later by the French Open at Roland Garros.

Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot during his Men's Singles final at the 2019 U.S. Open in New York, September 8, 2019. /VCG

With Nadal's long-time rival Roger Federer already ruled out of the tournament as he recovers from knee surgery, the U.S. Open will mark the first time since 1999 that neither player has featured in the main draw of a Grand Slam event.

Nadal, who has 19 Grand Slam victories, could have equaled Federer's tally of 20 Slam wins in New York.

With Nadal and Federer missing from New York, world No.1 Novak Djokovic will have a golden opportunity to land an 18th Grand Slam singles title.

Djokovic was named on the U.S. Open entry list on Tuesday which included seven of the world's top 10 players.

Djokovic, a three-time U.S. Open champion, will be joined by world No.3 Dominic Thiem, world No. 5 Daniil Medvedev and sixth-ranked Stefanos Tsitsipas.

On the women's side, with Australia's world No.1 Ashleigh Barty withdrawing from the tournament last week citing "significant risks" from COVID-19, the women's draw will be led by world No.2 Simona Halep of Romania, a two-time Grand Slam champion.

Serena Williams is also in the field, chasing a seventh U.S. Open and 24th Grand Slam time overall.

Roger Federer of Switzerland in action during the Madrid Open in Madrid, Spain, May 7, 2019. /VCG

Meanwhile, the Madrid Open tennis tournament, scheduled to take place between September 12 and 20, has been canceled due to fresh outbreaks of coronavirus in the region, organizers confirmed on Tuesday.

The Italian Open is due to go ahead in Rome in the week leading up to the grand slam at Roland Garros but it remains to be seen how other competitions react.

Tennis has been slower than other sports to restart, with the amount of travel required from players and their support teams considered particularly problematic.

(With input from agencies)