Defending champion Bianca Andreescu drops out of US Open women's singles

World number 6, Bianca Andreescu, has joined the increasing list of high-profile names to drop out of this year’s US Open with the Canadian deciding against defending her women’s singles title.

The 20-year-old, since she suffered a knee injury last October, has not compete and, took to her social media pages to announce the tough decision. According to the athlete, the COVID-19 outbreak has compromised her ability to reach her highest level of form.

Andreescu joins 2019 men’s singles champion, Rafael Nadal, among several others in skipping the event, which is scheduled to start in New York on 31 August.

Andreescu pulled an upset against multiple grand slam champion Serena Williams in straight sets in last year’s final, earning her maiden Grand Slam triumph.

Related: Serena Williams not concerned about high profile dropouts from the US Open,

“After many discussions with those closest to me, I have made the difficult decision not to return to New York this year, Andreescu writes on her Twitter page.

“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.”.

“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.”

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— Bianca (@Bandreescu_) August 13, 2020

Four women in the top 10 have now pulled out of the tournament with Andreescu the  most recent to drop out after No 1 Ashleigh Barty, Ukraine’s No 5 Elina Svitolina, and No 7 Dutchwoman Kiki Bertens opted against travelling to Flushing Meadows.