Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Reigning champion Bianca Andreescu withdrew from the U.S. Open Thursday, citing "unforeseen challenges" that compromised her ability to prepare for the event.
"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," Andreescu wrote on Instagram. "The U.S. Open victory last year has been the high point of my career thus far and I will miss not being there. 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.