Bianca Andreescu will not defend her US Open title. The oft-injured Canada confirmed her withdrawal today on social media.

She wrote: “‪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.”

The 20-year-old Andreescu was the breakout star last year, winning Indian Wells and then stunning Serena Williams to capture the US Open.

But injuries have plagued her rise. Most recently she injured her left knee during the Shanghai finals last fall, which remains her most recent event. That same knee kept her out of the Australian Open and then her title defense at Indian Wells.

Ranked 6th, she will keep her WTA rankings from the US Open. She is also the fourth WTA Top 10 player with opt up after No. 1 Ash Barty, No. 5 Elina Svitolina and No. 7 Kiki Bertens.

Defending men’s champion Rafael Nadal also withdrew from the tournament.