US Open defending champion Bianca Andreescu on Thursday announced her withdrawal from the grand slam tournament, citing lack of preparation and “unforeseen challenges”, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Canadian player said that she needed to focus on match fitness and return at her highest level.
“After many discussions with those closest to me, I have made the difficult decision not to return to New York this year,” Andreescu said in a statement.
“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.
“The US Open victory last year has been the high point of my career thus far and I will miss not being there. However, I realize 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” she said.
The 20-year-old defeated Serena Williams 6-3, 7-5 in the 2019 US Open final.
Andreescu joins the list of high-profile players who have pulled out of the event at Flushing Meadows, including world number one Ashleigh Barty of Australia, Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina, Kiki Bertens of the Netherlands and former champion Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia.
Meanwhile, men’s world number one Novak Djokovic ended speculation over his participation, and confirmed that he will play the grand slam tournament in the US. “It was not an easy decision to make with all the obstacles and challenges on many sides. But the prospect of competing again makes me really excited,” he said.
Earlier this month, defending champion Rafael Nadal announced his decision to withdraw from the US Open expressing concern over COVID-19 risks. Five-time champion Roger Federer will miss the rest of the season due to a knee injury.