Former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko opts out of US Open

Jelena Ostapenko is the latest women's player to withdraw from the US Open. Reuters

Former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko is the latest player to withdraw from the US Open, citing a change of schedule, organisers of the tennis Grand Slam confirmed on Monday.

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The Latvian, 23, who won her only major in 2017 at Roland Garros but has slipped to No 42 in the world rankings, last played on the WTA Tour in February at the Qatar Open where she reached the last 16.

Six of the world's top 10 women have already withdrawn from the US Open, which begins next week and will be played in a 'bio-secure bubble' to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Top-ranked Ash Barty, world No 2 Simona Halep, defending champion Bianca Andreescu, Elina Svitolina, Kiki Bertens and Belinda Bencic have all decided to skip the event in New York.

Withdrawal of Ostapenko and Spain's Cara Suarez Navarro gave Kurumi Nara and Whitney Osuigwe an entry into the main draw.