WINNING IN US A GRAND FEELING

RAFA NADAL believes this year’s US Open champion will still feel like a Grand Slam winner – despite the withdrawal of top players amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

The hardcourt Grand Slam, starting on August 31, lost its men’s defending champion in singles, with Nadal deciding against flying to New York.

But the Spaniard (right) said: “I’m not that arrogant to say the tournament isn’t big enough because I’m not playing.

“Of course, it will be a tournament under special circumstances, but still a Grand Slam – and the winner will feel it, like a Grand Slam winner.”

Women’s No.1 Ash Barty also pulled out last week, worried about the risks due to the virus. FORMULA ONE