Reigning US Open women’s champion Bianca Andreescu said Thursday she will not defend her title, saying the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to an inability to prepare for the event.
The 20-year-old
Canadian, who defeated Serena Williams in last year’s final, said she wants to
concentrate on being at her best when she does return to competition.
Her decision means
that this year’s event, which starts in New York on August 31, will be without
both of its 2019 champions after Rafael Nadal, a four-time winner, also said he
would skip the tournament over health fears.
“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 released on social
media.
“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.”
Those who aren’t
playing in the US Open on the women’s side include Australia’s top-ranked
Ashleigh Barty, Ukraine’s fifth-ranked Elena Svitolina, sixth-ranked Andreescu
as well as 2004 champion Svetlana Kuznetsova.
Serena Williams,
one title shy of matching the Grand Slam singles record 24 won by Margaret
Court, will be at Flushing Meadows.
Andreescu defeated
Williams 6-3, 7-5 in last year’s final.
“The US Open
victory last year has been the high point of my career thus far and I will miss
not being there,” Andreescu said.
“However, I realize
that the unforseen challenges, including the COVID pandemic, have compromised
my ability to prepare and compete to the degree necessary to play at my highest
level.”
Despite the fact it
will cost her the chance to defend her crown, Andreescu expressed appreciation
for the efforts of the WTA Tour and US Tennis Association to make the US Open
happen this year despite the pandemic.
“I look forward to
joining my competitors back on court soon,” she said.
Earlier Thursday,
three-time champion and world number one Novak Djokovic confirmed that he will
play the event despite initial reservations over the health protocols being
implemented in New York.
Five-time champion
Roger Federer, however, is missing as he recovers from knee surgery.
