Andreescu will not defend U.S. Open title, citing COVID-19 concerns
CGTN
Bianca Andreescu of Canada celebrates set point in the first set during the U.S. Open women's singles final against Serena Williams of the United States in New York, September 7, 2019. /VCG

Bianca Andreescu of Canada celebrates set point in the first set during the U.S. Open women's singles final against Serena Williams of the United States in New York, September 7, 2019. /VCG

Reigning U.S. Open women's champion Bianca Andreescu said Thursday she will not defend her title, saying the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to an inability to prepare for the event. 

The 20-year-old Canadian, who has not competed since she suffered a knee injury last October at the WTA Finals in Shenzhen, joins a growing list of high-profile players to pull out of the event. 

"After many discussions with those closest to me, I have made the difficult decision not to return to New York this year," said Andreescu, who beat Serena Williams last year to become Canada's first tennis Grand Slam singles champion. 

"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," she added. 

Bianca Andreescu of Canada holds the championship trophy after defeating Serena Williams in straight sets in the women's final at the U.S. Open in New York, September 7, 2019. /VCG

Bianca Andreescu of Canada holds the championship trophy after defeating Serena Williams in straight sets in the women's final at the U.S. Open in New York, September 7, 2019. /VCG

World No. 6 Andreescu is the latest top-10 player on the women's side to skip the U.S. Open, joining Australian Ash Barty (#1), Ukraine's Elina Svitolina (#5) and Dutchwoman Kiki Bertens (#7). 

Her decision means that this year's event, which starts in New York on August 31, will be without both of its 2019 champions after Rafael Nadal also said he would skip the tournament over health fears. 

The United States Tennis Association decided to go ahead with the Grand Slam without spectators while players will be asked to follow strict measures, including regular testing, in a bid to avoid spreading of the virus.