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Bianca Andreescu - 2019 US Open champion
Tennis News, US Open Tennis, WTA Tennis Players

‘I have decided not to return to New York this year’ – US Open loses second defending champion


The US Open has lost a second defending champion with Bianca Andreescu confirming she will miss the year’s event, in part due to the coronavirus crisis.

The Canadian powered to her first Grand Slam title at Flushing Meadows last year, beating Serena Williams in an absorbing final.

However, she has struggled with injury since, and claims the coronavirus situation has stopped her from being able to properly recovery from her latest problems.

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

“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

 

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

“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.

“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.”

Men’s champion Rafael Nadal has also withdrawn, as has women’s number one Ashleigh Barty. Felow top-ten stars Elina Svitolina and Kiki Bertens have also decided to opt out.


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Michael Graham, Tennishead.net Editor, has been a professional sports journalist for his whole career and is especially passionate about tennis. He's been the Editor of Tennishead.net for over 5 years and loves watching live tennis by visiting as many tournaments as possible. Michael specialises in writing in-depth features about the ATP & WTA tours.