Defending Champion Bianca Andreescu Forced to Withdraw from US Open Due to Back Injury
Canadian tennis star Bianca Andreescu has announced her withdrawal from the upcoming US Open due to a back injury, making it the second time she will miss the tournament since her monumental debut victory at the age of 19 in 2019. Organizers confirmed the news of her absence from the year’s final Grand Slam tennis event, scheduled to commence on Monday. As a result, a qualifier or lucky loser will fill her spot in the draw.
Earlier this month, Andreescu revealed that she had been diagnosed with a small stress fracture in her back, which initially forced her to withdraw from the Cincinnati final major US Open tuneup. Despite experiencing pain during the Washington Open, she pushed through to compete at Montreal the following week, only to struggle in a first-round loss to Italy’s Camila Giorgi.
In the US Open draw, Andreescu was set to face off against Lesia Tsurenko of Ukraine, a quarter-finalist at the 2018 US Open. It is a disappointing turn of events for the defending champion, who made headlines in 2019 with her remarkable triumph over Serena Williams in the final. Sadly, Andreescu missed out on the Flushing Meadows fortnight last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The absence of Bianca Andreescu from the US Open leaves a void in the draw, as fans and experts were eagerly anticipating her return to the court. Her withdrawal provides an opportunity for another player to step into the spotlight. Although unfortunate, the decision to prioritize her health and well-being is commendable, as back injuries can be particularly challenging for athletes. The tennis world will await Andreescu’s recovery and eagerly anticipate her return to competition.
