As expected, the US Open withdrawal list keeps expanding. The latest WTA players to opt out of the tournament are defending champion Bianca Andreescu and recent Palermo champion Fiona Ferro.
The 20-year-old Canadian Andreescu, who last competed at the Shiseido WTA Finals Shenzhen at the end of the 2019 season, posted the following announcement on social media:
After many discussions with those closest to me, I have made the difficult decision not to return to New York this year. 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 US 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. I want to express my appreciation to the USTA and the WTA for all of their efforts in making the event happen. I look forward to joining my competitors back on court soon.
With the world No.6 Andreescu’s withdrawal, Olga Govortsova moves into the main draw.
Earlier on Thursday, the USTA announced the withdrawal of France’s Fiona Ferro. As a result, Caroline Dolehide moves into the main draw, while the wildcard previously awarded to the American will now be given to her compatriot Claire Liu.
