World No. 1 Ashleigh Barty has confirmed that she will not play in the US Open because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Barty, the reigning French Open champion, said in a statement on Thursday, "My team and I have decided that we won't be travelling to the U.S. for the Western and Southern Open and the US Open this year.
"I love both events so it was a difficult decision but there are still significant risks involved due to COVID-19 and I don't feel comfortable putting my team and I in that position. I wish the USTA all the best for the tournaments and look forward to being back in the U.S. next year.
"I will make my decision on the French Open and the surrounding WTA European tournaments in the coming weeks."
The US Open is set to begin Aug. 31 and will be held in its usual home at Flushing Meadows in Queens, New York. The event will be played without fans in attendance to limit the spread of the virus.