Murray expects other stars to skip US Open after Barty withdrawal

Three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray wasn't surprised when world No. 1 Ashleigh Barty announced she wouldn't be taking part in this year's US Open as the Briton expects more withdrawals from the event will follow.

Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams have all entered the August 20-28 Western & Southern Open in NY, which was relocated from Cincinnati this year because of the coronavirus pandemic and will serve as a tune-up for the U.S. Open.

Kyrgios posted a video on Sunday, where he read from a statement.

"But I'm sitting out for the people, for my Aussies, for the hundreds and thousands of Americans who have lost their lives".

Murray, who claimed his maiden Grand Slam title at the US Open in 2012, says he has heard a few top players won't be playing at Flushing Meadows.

The United States has been hit hard by COVID-19, with more than 4.6 million cases and a death toll exceeding 154,000.

The 25-year-old said he recognized that lower-wage employees at the event, such as restaurant staff, cleaners and locker room attendants, needed the tournament to take place.

The ill-fated Adria Tour in June organised by the world No.1 Serb resulted in Djokovic being among four players to test positive for COVID-19.

Kyrgios called on players to act in each other's best interests and work together.

Kyrgios also criticized players who have continued to play exhibition tournaments, chastising them for "dancing on tables, money grabbing your way around Europe, trying to make a quick buck hosting an exhibition".

"Think of the other people for once, that's what this virus is about".

"My feeling is once we are inside that bubble they created, we will be okay".

The tennis season has been at a standstill since mid-March due to the virus outbreak worldwide, with Wimbledon cancelled for the first time since World War II.

"My training this week, for example, during the event next week, I'm planning to try and be there in shape for the US Open".

Uncertainty remains around the tournament that is usually the last major of the year.