'Increased risk': Ash Barty bombshell prompts US Open warning

Andy Murray expects more big names to follow women's world No.1 Ashleigh Barty in pulling out of the US Open.

Barty announced her withdrawal from the grand slam event in New York and a warm-up tournament at the same venue to Australian Associated Press on Thursday, due to fears of COVID-19.

WOW: Federer embroiled in brand ad controversy

'CREEPING ME OUT': Ugly backlash over Naomi Osaka photos

YIKES: Fans spot disturbing detail in Boris Becker photos

Murray claims to have heard some of the top men's players will also pull out, even though his commitment to travel to the US remains firm.

World No.1 Novak Djokovic, who has already had coronavirus after hosting an exhibition event in Serbia and Croatia without following social distancing protocols, and defending champion Rafael Nadal have both previously expressed doubts about playing in the tournament.

But both are currently listed as being in the field for Western & Southern Open that precedes the US Open.

"The Ash Barty withdrawal, I think we will see it quite a bit," said former world No.1 Murray.

"I have heard some of the top male players aren't going to play. I would expect that would be the case. It's everyone's personal decision.

"If they don't feel safe and don't feel comfortable travelling and going there and putting themselves and their team at an increased risk, then it's completely understandable.

"All of the players will have some reservations and it's whether or not you feel comfortable taking that risk. Like I said the other day, my feeling is once we are inside that bubble they created, we will be OK.

"It's more the international travel and getting there which I will be a bit concerned about."

World No.1 not willing to risk US Open

Barty said she did not want to put herself and her support crew through the risks involved in such an effort during the pandemic.

"My team and I have decided that we won't be travelling to the US, and (the) Western and Southern Open and the US Open this year," Barty said in a statement.

"I love both events, so it was a difficult decision, but there are still significant risks involved due to COVID-19 and I don't feel comfortable putting my team and I in that position.

"I wish the USTA all the best for the tournaments and I look forward to being back in the US next year."

The Western & Southern Open, usually played in Cincinnati but moved to Flushing Meadows, is due to take place from August 20, with the US Open starting three days after the final on August 31.

Barty, 24, will take time to consider whether she will defend her title at the French Open, rescheduled from its usual northern spring timeslot to commence on September 27.

"I will make my decision on the French Open and the surrounding WTA European tournaments in the coming weeks," she said.