Barty says there are still “significant risks” involved in playing in the events. “I don’t feel comfortable putting my team and I in that position.”

Ashleigh Barty, the reigning French Open champion and current top-ranked singles player in women’s tennis, has opted out of playing in the Western & Southern Open and the U.S. Open because of COVID-19 concerns.

“My team and I have decided that we won’t be traveling to the US for the Western and Southern Open and the U.S. Open this year,” Barty said in a statement. “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 US next year. I will make my decision on