Andreescu will not defend U.S. Open
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[August 14, 2020]
By Frank Pingue
TORONTO (Reuters) - Bianca Andreescu
said on Thursday she will not defend her title at the U.S. Open in
New York as 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 Aug.
31-Sept. 13 event.
"After many discussions with those closest to me, I have made the
difficult decision not to return to New York this year," said
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."
World number six Andreescu is the latest top-10 player on the
women's side to skip the U.S. Open, joining Australian Ash Barty
(one), Ukraine's Elina Svitolina (five) and Dutchwoman Kiki Bertens
(seven).
Her decision also means the Grand Slam will be missing both reigning
singles champions as men's world number two Rafael Nadal previously
said he would skip the event.
"The U.S. Open victory last year has been the high point of my
career this far and I will miss not being there," said Andreescu.
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Canada's Bianca Andreescu in action during her match against Czech
Republic's Karolina Pliskova REUTERS/Aly Song
"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 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," said Andreescu. "I
look forward to joining my competitors back on court soon."
(Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto, editing by Pritha Sarkar)
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