Halep withdraws from US Open over COVID-19 concerns

World number two Simona Halep announced she is withdrawing from the upcoming US Open due to COVID-19 concerns.

"After weighing up all the factors involved and with the exceptional circumstances in which we are living, I have decided that I will not travel to New York to play the @usopen," she wrote on Twitter.

"I always said I would put my health at the heart of my decision and I therefore prefer to stay and train in Europe. I know the @usta and @WTA have worked tirelessly to put on a safe event and I wish everyone there a successful tournament."

She joined world number one Ash Barty, defending champion Bianca Andreescu, Elina Svitolina, Kiki Bertens and Belinda Bencic in skipping the event at Flushing Meadows over health and safety concerns.

It leaves the women's draw at the Grand Slam tournament without six of the world's top-10 players.