Bianca Andreescu, Canada’s best ladies tennis player, withdrew from the ASB Classic in Auckland. She didn’t want to risk aggravating her knee injury before the start of the Australian Open.
The 19-year old decided the skip the tournament in New Zealand, and to avoid potential complications which might hurt her long-term. She revealed the news this Tuesday, and the tournament organizers shared it through their social networks.
US Open champion stated that she feels sorry because of the recent developments, but that her health is the priority in this case.
“I spoke to my team, and I really have to do what’s best for my knee right now. I have so many amazing memories [in Auckland], so hopefully, I can make more in 2021,” she said.
She started the previous campaign by reaching the finals at the ASB Classic, which was her breakthrough in the tennis world. Back then, the youngster eliminated Venus Williams and the WTA No.1 at the time, Caroline Wozniacki. Eventually, Julia Georges stopped her run in the finals.
After Auckland, Andreescu’s name appeared in the headlines all over the world, which is why it was hard for her to make such a decision.
“I’m super disappointed about it,” she said.
The knee problems appeared during the WTA Finals in Shenzhen, China. Back then, Andreescu was facing Karolina Pliskova, when the injury occurred. Both the season and the match against the Czech player were over for the teenager.
However, the 2019 season was superb for Andreescu, who won three titles, among them one Grand Slam. At first, she captured the trophy at Indian Wells Open, where she became the first-ever wild card to win the tournament.
After that, she backed up all the stories about her massive potential by winning the Canadian Open and becoming the first domestic participant who took the silverware since 1969 and Faye Urban.
Eventually, the fantastic streak of achievements for this young lady continued at Flushing Meadows. Andreescu defeated Serena Wiliams in the finals, which was her second straight win against the legendary American in title matches. She already defeated the American back in Toronto. All these successes brought her to No.4 in the WTA rankings.
She hopes to continue her meteoric rise already at the Australian Open, which is why Andreescu had to sacrifice the tournament in Auckland. That injury is still not fully healed, and that is something she and her team take very seriously. Having in mind her style of play, it is absolutely necessary for the Canadian to have that knee in perfect condition.
Last year, Andreescu reached the second round at Aussie Open. After defeating Whitney Osuigwe 7-6, 6-7, 6-3, she would fall to Anastasija Sevastova 3-6, 6-3, 2-6. Previously, she qualified for the main draw.
As already mentioned, the AO, the organizing committee, announced that the amount of prize money for the upcoming edition is increased for 13.6%, and stands at $49.1 million. The winners in both competitions will win $2.85 million.
This year’s tournament will start on January 20, at the famous Melbourne Park.
