Defending Champion Bianca Andreescu Withdraws From Indian Wells

Another big name pulled out of Indian Wells Saturday when defending champion Bianca Andreescu withdrew due to her continued issues with her left knee.

The 19-year-old hasn’t played since injuring that knee during the WTA Finals last October.

“As many of you know, I’ve been working through an injury I suffered last year during the WTA Finals,” Andreescu said in a statement. “It’s been a long road to recovery and while I was looking forward to getting back on court and defending my title at Indian Wells, unfortunately I’m still not 100%.

“I would like to thank you all for your continued support and sticking with me on this journey, your kind words have been so uplifting. While I am disappointed that I am not competing next week in a tournament where I have such great memories, I am focused on my recovery and rehab and working hard to get back on the court as soon as possible.”

With her title points dropping off, Andreescu will see her ranking drop out of the Top 10.

The Canadian has played just five events in the last 11 months during which she won the US Open and the Canadian Open.

Andreescu joins Simona Halep, Angelique Kerber and Victoria Azarenka who also withdrew from the event. 2018 winner Naomi Osaka is the lone former champion in the tournament right now.

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