Novak Djokovic ‘Excited’ To Compete In US Open As Bianca Andreescu Begs Off

Novak Djokovic has just confirmed that he will be competing in the U.S. Open this month. The Serb superstar said Thursday he is "excited" to arrive in New York to play in the Grand Slam event.

Defending women’s champion Bianca Andreescu, however, has decided to skip the tournament. Andreescu’s progress has been saddled by several injuries that have kept her away from competitive action since the WTA Finals in October last year.

“I have taken this step in order to focus on my match fitness to ensure I return ready to play at my highest level,” the Canadian star said, per the Guardian.

“The US Open victory last year has been the high point thus far and I will miss not being there. However, I realize the unforeseen challenges, including the COVID pandemic, have compromised my ability to prepare and compete at the degree necessary to play at the highest level.”

With her decision, the 20-year old now joins women’s world No. 1 Ashleigh Barty, men’s defending champion Rafael Nadal, former winner Stan Wawrinka, and several others in the long list of players who decided to beg off from the U.S. event.

Djokovic admitted that committing to participate in the U.S. Open was a hard decision. The 33-year-old tennis star had previously said that competing in the event would be “impossible” due to “extreme” COVID-19 protocols.

“It was not an easy decision to make with all the obstacles and challenges on many sides but the prospect of competing again makes me really excited,” said the world No. 1-ranked tennis great.

“I am aware that this time around it will be very different with all the protocols and safety measures that are put in place to protect players and the people of New York.”

The 17-time Grand Slam champion is also set to compete at the Western & Southern Open in Flushing Meadows on Aug.21 in preparation for the major tournament that is scheduled to start Aug. 31 and run through Sept. 13.