Bianca Andreescu Defends the Cancellation of BNP Paribas Open 2020

Despite pulling out of the BNP Paribas Open 2020, Bianca Andreescu felt disappointed with the cancellation of the tournament. However, the reigning US Open champion defended the decision of cancelling the biggest tennis tournament after the Grand Slams.

The 2020 BNP Paribas Open was set to commence this week in Indian Wells but the unofficial ‘fifth slam’ got cancelled after a case of coronavirus was confirmed in the Coachella Valley. The verdict of cancelling the tournament left many fans and players in shock, including Andreescu. However, why did the Canadian feel that the organisers made ‘the right decision’?

“It was pretty shocking” – Bianca Andreescu

The defending champion was astonished as she heard that the event is cancelled. But she understands the scenario and fathoms the depth of the situation. Andreescu knows that health and safety are of paramount importance. The fans, players, officials and everyone involved with the event, should be safe.

“I would say, it was pretty shocking,” said Andreescu in an interview with Tennis Channel. “All of us tennis players want a chance to compete at every tournament. I know that everyone that made that decision, made the right decision because health is No.1.”

Also Read: Massive Setback For Bianca Andreescu – Will Drop Out of Top 10 WTA Singles Rankings

“This is definitely one of my favourite tournaments”: Andreescu

The 19-year-old felt ‘nostalgic’ after coming back to the palm springs as a defending champion. Calling the Indian Wells as ‘tennis paradise’, Andreescu sensed a truly incredible feeling as a defending champion. “This is definitely one of my favourite tournaments,” she concluded.

Andreescu’s rapid rise to the top hasn’t gone unnoticed. Her rise has certainly been meteoric from ranking outside 150 at the start of last year to finishing the season inside the top-5. She also shocked the world after clinching the US Open title last year. However, she is yet to play a competitive match this season.

Andreescu experienced a knee injury five months ago at the WTA Finals in Shenzhen, China. She had withdrawn from multiple tournaments including the Australian Open 2020. Furthermore, she postponed her come back in Indian Wells, explaining that she was “still not 100 percent” after her injury.

It is difficult to say how long will it take for Andreescu to return to the tour. However, her opponents should be ready to face her again soon.