US Open champion Bianca Andreescu leads a trio of WTA stars who have been forced to withdraw from the Toray Pan Pacific Open due to injury.
The Canadian, who stormed to success in New York thanks to a straight-sets victory over Serena Williams, has been forced to pull out of the Japanese event with a right leg injury, while Belinda Bencic (left foot) and Marketa Vondrousova (continuing left wrist), have also been compelled to remove their names from the draw.
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“I’m sorry to have to miss The Toray Pan Pacific Open this year,” the 19-year-old WTA World No.5 said. “I know It’s the biggest women’s tennis event in Japan and one that I look forward to playing in in the future. Hope to see you all soon!”
Meanwhile, Bencic, who was defeated in the semifinals by Andreescu at Flushing Meadows, also revealed her disappointment at not being able to play.
“I am sad not to be able to come to Osaka this year and play in the Toray Pan Pacific Open,” she said. “I always love playing in Japan and especially in front of the passionate fans, but I need to give my foot some rest before I start the Asia swing. I am looking forward to coming back to Japan next year and wish the tournament all the best for this year’s edition.”
The benefactors of these withdrawals are Alison Riske, Yulia Putintseva and Monica Puig, who are promoted into the main draw. Additionally, Ayano Shimizu and Leylah Fernandez will go into qualifying.
The Toray Pan Pacific Open main draw begins on September 16 and runs through until September 22.
Karolina Pliskova is the defending champion of the Premier Tournament, having defeated Naomi Osaka, 6-4, 6-4, in last year’s final.
