Defending champion Nadal won't play US Open, slams schedule

Defending champion Rafael Nadal said Tuesday he will not play the US Open, citing concerns over the coronavirus and slamming tennis's "barbaric" schedule.

"After many thoughts I have decided not to play this year's US Open," Nadal 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."

The 34-year-old Spanish star also took aim at the tennis schedule.

"We know that the reduced tennis calendar is barbaric this year after 4 months stopped with no play..." Nadal said.