Ladies World No.1 tennis player Ashleigh Barty has pulled out of next month’s US Open.
Barty, has become the most significant name to pull out of a major event as global Covid-19 cases increase.
The 24-year-old decided not to travel to America, citing “still significant risks” as her reason for staying in Australia.
Small steps for return of sport in England
Although in England the comparatively successful returns of various sports so far are working well. Domestic football and cricket behind closed doors have proven to be very successful in its trial period.
Although around other parts of the world this has not generally been the case.
There are already genuine concerns over the forthcoming Tour de France going ahead as planned. President of the UCI David Lappartient has admitted that every race this season remained at risk of cancellation.
Concerns over travelling in the world of golf
In golf, Britain’s Lee Westwood has expressed concerns over travelling to the United States. He has already pulled out of next weeks PGA Championship at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco.
With this years Ryder Cup already postponed he has also said he “doesn’t know” if he will compete in Europe. Westwood’s understandable concern like others is travel worries to events in Europe.
In Tennis not only Barty has raised issues and concerns of travelling around the world to compete in tournaments. Her compatriot Nick Kyrgios has suggested he will withdraw from events as well.
World Championships without Hamilton
Snooker sees the return of spectators back to the Crucible, but there will be no Anthony Hamilton. He has decided against going to Sheffield due to suffering from severe asthma and concerns over coronavirus.
Even Ronnie O’Sullivan has voiced his opinion over allowing spectators back into the Crucible Theatre. He has said that allowing fans into the venue is treating snooker players like “lab rats”.
In Spain a host of tournaments have been plunged into uncertainty. Uefa is ready to move the Women’s Champions League quarter-final venues if it is not safe to play.
Only yesterday Sergio Perez tested positive for coronavirus and will miss this weekends British Grand Prix.
Problems mount with return of sport in America
In domestic sport in the USA, MLS football matches have been postponed over positive tests among players. A number of high-profile NFL and Major League Baseball players have also opted out of starting the new season.
It would appear that this issue will continue to happen until the threat of Covid-19 will leave us. Presently the uncertainty as to how long this will remain will linger for a long time.
Sport will continue to face many more obstacles along the way until eventually everything will get back to normal service.