TOKYO — US Open champion Bianca Andreescu has withdrawn from next week's Pan Pacific Open in Osaka with a right leg injury, the 19-year-old Canadian said on Friday.
World No. 5 Andreescu was joined in pulling out of the tournament by French Open finalist Marketa Vondrousova, who is battling a left wrist injury, and Flushing Meadows semifinalist Belinda Bencic, who has a left foot problem.
"I'm sorry to have to miss the Toray Pan Pacific Open this year," Andreescu, who claimed her maiden Grand Slam by defeating Serena Williams in the US Open final last week in New York, told the WTA website.
"I know it's the biggest women's tennis event in Japan and one I look forward to playing in future. Hope to see you all soon."
As a result of the pullouts, American Alison Riske, Kazakhstan's Yulia Putintseva and Puerto Rico's Monica Puig will move into the main draw of the Sept. 16-22 tournament.
Organizers postpone
Hong Kong tourney
Hong Kong's premier women's tennis event scheduled for October has been postponed due to the pro-democracy protests, organizers announced on Friday.
The city is witnessing a fourth month of sometimes violent protests sparked by a bill that would have drawn the former British colony closer to the Chinese legal system. The bill was withdrawn last week, but the protests are continuing.
The organizers said they are in active discussions with the Women's tennis Association (WTA), the women's tour governing body, to identify an alternate week for hosting the event.
"In light of the present situation, Hong Kong tennis Association and the WTA are announcing a postponement of the 2019 Hong Kong tennis Open. The event will no longer take place during Oct.5-13," organizers said in a statement.
Former women's top-ranked players such as Venus Williams, Caroline Wozniacki and Angelique Kerber have participated in previous years in the event, which forms part of the WTA International series.
"The Open is the flagship event on our annual calendar and one of the most popular international sporting events in the city, attracting thousands of local fans and overseas travelers every year.
"However, after extensive discussions with our key stakeholders, we conclude that a smooth running of the tournament can be better assured at a later time," the organizers said. — Reuters
