Tennis: Bianca Andreescu will not defend US Open women's singles title

Bianca Andreescu.
Bianca Andreescu. Photo credit: Reuters

Defending champion Bianca Andreescu has withdrawn from this year's US Open, because the COVID-19 pandemic has compromised her ability to reach her highest level of form.

The 20-year-old Canadian, who has not competed since she suffered a knee injury last October at the WTA Finals in Shenzhen, joins a growing list of high-profile players to pull out of the event, which starts on August 31. 

"After many discussions with those closest to me, I have made the difficult decision not to return to New York this year," says Andreescu, who beat Serena Williams last year to become Canada's first tennis Grand Slam singles champion.

"I have taken this step in order to focus on my match fitness and ensure that I return ready to play at my highest level."

Currently ranked No.6 in the world, Andreescu is the latest top-10 women's player to skip the US Open, joining Australian Ash Barty (No.1), Ukraine's Elina Svitolina (No.5) and Dutchwoman Kiki Bertens (No.7).

Her decision also means the Grand Slam will miss both reigning singles champions, with men's world No.2 Rafael Nadal previously withdrawing.

"The US Open victory last year has been the high point of my career this far and I will miss not being there," says Andreescu.

"However, I realise that the unforeseen challenges, including the COVID pandemic, have compromised my ability to prepare and compete to the degree necessary to play at my highest level."

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) decided to go ahead with the Grand Slam without spectators, while players will be asked to follow strict measures, including regular testing, in a bid to avoid spread of the virus.

"I want to express my appreciation to the USTA and the WTA for all of their efforts in making the event happen," says Andreescu. "I look forward to joining my competitors back on court soon."

Andreescu reached her first WTA final at the 2019 ASB Classic in Auckland, where she lost to German Julia Görges.

Reuters