Andreescu won’t defend Open title

Canadian says routine affected too dramatically

Bianca Andreescu announced on Thursday she will not defend her title at this month’s U. S. Open in New York.

The 20- year- old Canadian, who has not competed since she suffered a knee injury last October, said on Twitter she made the difficult decision because the COVID- 19 outbreak has compromised her ability to reach her highest level of form.

“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 world No. 6 Andreescu, who beat Serena Williams in last year’s U. S. Open final.

“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.”

Andreescu is the latest top-10 player on the women’s side to skip the Aug. 31-Sept. 13 U. S. Open, joining world No. 1 Ash Barty, 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 No. 2 Rafael Nadal previously said he would skip the event.

Meanwhile, men’s world No. 1 Novak Djokovic will compete at the U. S. Open and the Western & Southern Open curtain- raiser, the winner of 17 Grand Slam titles said in a statement on Thursday.

His decision will come as good news for the U. S. Open organizers after several high- profile players, including former winners Rafael Nadal and Stan Wawrinka, pulled out over issues related to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

But it is also a U- turn from Djokovic after his June statements that competing at the 2020 U. S. Open would be “impossible” due to “extreme” COVID-19 protocols for the tournament at Flushing Meadows.

“I am happy to confirm that I will participate at the Western & Southern Open and U. S. Open this year,” the 33- year old Serb explained.

“It was not an easy decision to make with all the obstacles and challenges on so many sides, but the prospect of competing again makes me really excited.

“I am aware that this time around it will be very different with all the protocols and safety measures that are put in place to protect players and the people of New York.”

Djokovic and three other players contracted the coronavirus at the Serb’s Adria Tour event in June, with the first leg being held at his tennis centre in Belgrade and the second in Croatia’s coastal city of Zadar.