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Defending champion Andreescu withdraws from US Open

Mike Stobe / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Defending champion Bianca Andreescu announced Thursday that she will not take part in the US Open later this month.

"The US Open victory last year has been the high point of my career thus far and I will miss not being there," the 20-year-old said. "However, I realize that the unforeseen challenges, including the (COVID-19) pandemic, have compromised my ability to prepare and compete to the degree necessary to play at my highest level."

Andreescu, ranked sixth in the world, hasn't played a match on the WTA Tour since last October due to a knee injury.

"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 Canadian added.

Andreescu, who captured her first Grand Slam title by beating Serena Williams at Flushing Meadows in 2019, joins a growing list of high-profile players to withdraw from the upcoming tournament.

World No. 1 Ashleigh Barty opted out of the event last month and was soon joined by fellow top-10 players Elina Svitolina and Kiki Bertens.

With Andreescu out, the reigning champions on both sides of the competition will be absent this year; defending men's winner Rafael Nadal also withdrew, citing concerns over the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The US Open is slated to begin Aug. 31.

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