New York, Aug 17 (IANS): World No 2 Simona Halep of Romania on Monday said that she will not travel to New York to play in the US Open due to Covid-19 concerns. Halep joined world No 1 Ash Barty, defending champion Bianca Andreescu, Elina Svitolina, Kiki Bertens and Belinda Bencic in giving the event at Flushing Meadows a miss.

"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 U.S. Open," Halep, the reigning Wimbledon champion, 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."

Earlier, Japanese tennis player Kei Nishikori tested positive for coronavirus and has withdrawn from the Western & Southern Open which starts next week.

"This morning while still in Florida, I got tested for COVID-19 and tested positive," said Nishikori in a statement on Sunday as per BBC Sport.

"I will have to pull out of the Cincinnati tournament at this time. Me and my team will get tested again on Friday at which point I will have another update," he added. The 30-year-old further said he is "feeling well" but will now isolate and get tested again on Friday.