BIANCA WON’T PLAY IN U.S. OPEN

Bianca Andreescu announced 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 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 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.” Her decision means the Grand Slam will be missing both reigning singles champions as men’s world No. 2 Rafael Nadal also said he would skip the event.