Top ranked female stands with Ash Barty on US Open concerns

·Sports Reporter

12 June 2020 at 4:44 am·2-min read

Simona Halep (pictured left) with a trophy and Ash Barty (pictured right) speaking to the media. — Simona Halep (pictured left) joins Ash Barty (pictured right) in expressing doubt over participating in the US Open. (Getty Images)

World No.2 Simona Halep has called for understanding from players after also admitting she is unsure whether she will play at the US Open as it stands.

Djokovic caused controversy in the tennis community after admitting that as things currently stand, he would rather skip America's grand slam and focus on the French Open.

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The Serbian star says the safety protocols necessary for the US Open to go ahead are "extreme" and that limiting players to only coach would make it virtually "impossible" for him to compete.

Now Romanian Halep has aligned with Djokovic and said the risk of travelling is a concern.

“I definitely have strong concerns about going there with those conditions,” she told The New York Times via email.

“Not only because we’re in the middle of a global pandemic. But also because of the risk of travel, potential quarantine, and then the changes around the tournament.”

Djokovic received some backlash for his stance, especially from women's World No.52 Danielle Collins in a passionate online response.

World No.1 Ash Barty also admitted she would have to weigh up the risk before travelling due to her team.

Halep asks for understanding

This prompted Halep to ask for some understanding, claiming she understood some of the views from players wanting to play to earn some money.

But she stressed every player was in a different position and it affected their view.

Simona Halep joins Novak Djokovic in expressing doubt over participating in the US Open. (Getty Images)

“I know that financially the tournament and sponsors would like it to run. Also that many players are out of jobs right now, but I think it’s a very personal decision we have to make,” she said.

“It’s important to understand that everyone has individual needs and circumstances and we should do what’s best for our personal health and also think long term about our career.”