Simona Halep Targets US Open 2020 as Mutua Madrid Open Becomes The Latest Victim

World Number two Simona Halep decided to resume her tennis season at WTA Palermo Open, but due to the quarantine restrictions for people flying from Romania, she was forced to pull out. The tournament director in Palermo was trying to get her into the event, but her withdrawal frustrated the event.

Earlier, she was determined to play the European tournaments in a full swing, but now after the cancelation of Mutua Madrid Open 2020, she has decided to remain in the US Open 2020’s draw. Halep was a last-minute entry into the American Major.

(The information has been tweeted by The New York Times tennis correspondent, Christopher Clarey)

Simona Halep was anxious to fly to the US

Two-time Grand Slam champion Halep mentioned she was a ‘bit worried’ in traveling to the US under the blanket of pandemic and also due to the unplayable situation in New York.

“It will be a little difficult, it depends on restrictions and a little bit worried to make that move. I have no idea at the moment because nobody knows what is going to happen after this month. I will wait and see what is being decided, see what the other players will do,” Simona told BBC’s Wimbledon which was almost a month ago.

However, in the upcoming weeks, her team and herself will collectively take the decision of flying to the US. Last year, Simona Halep lost to Taylor Townsend in the second of the US Open after facing match points.

World Number one Ashleigh Barty has pulled out from the tournament, as she’s not willing to put her team members’ life in danger.

However, on the men’s tour reigning US Open champion Rafael Nadal and World Number one Novak Djokovic will be swinging their racquets in Flushing Meadows this year.

Also, for the lower-ranked players, US Open 2020 is a golden opportunity for them to resume their regular earnings. Along with the rest of the world, almost 95 percent of the tennis players have been suffering during the pandemic. Which has also lead to economic crises, as the suspension of the circuit has directly affected their livelihood.

Source – Christopher Clarey, BBC