Bianca Andreescu makes ‘difficult decision’ in pulling out of US Open due to ‘unforeseen challenges’

US Open

Shahida Jacobs
August 13, 2020

Bianca Andreescu won’t defend her US Open title with the Canadian confirming she has withdrawn from the tournament due to “unforeseen challenges, including the Covid pandemic”.

Andreescu last year became the first Canadian and the 10th youngest woman to win a Grand Slam when beat Serena Williams in straight sets at Flushing Meadows aged 19 years and 83 days.

The world No 6 though has struggled with injury since, but she was expected to make her 2020 bow at Flushing Meadows as her name was on the entry list.

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However, she has belatedly withdrew and joined the likes of men’s defending champion Rafael Nadal, world No 1 Ashleigh Barty, world No 5 Elina Svitolina and world No 7 Kiki Bertens in pulling out of the hard-court Grand Slam.

View this post on Instagram

Dear fans, After many discussions with those closest to me, I have made the difficult decision not to return to New York this year. 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. I want to express my appreciation to the USTA and the WTA for all of their efforts in making the event happen. I look forward to joining my competitors back on court soon. B

A post shared by Bianca Vanessa🦋 (@biancaandreescu_) on Aug 13, 2020 at 11:57am PDT

“After many discussions with those closest to me, I have made the difficult decision not to return to New York this year,” she wrote.

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

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Bianca Andreescu