Andreescu set to skip Qatar Open as return from knee injury halted

Bianca Andreescu, World No.5 and US Open champion is set to skip the Qatar Open in Doha as her return from her knee injury has further halted her progress.

Andreescu was long awaited to return due to her prowess in 2019 which saw her emerge as one of the best players in the world and a real force on the WTA Tour but a left knee injury at the WTA Finals in Shenzhen saw a bad end to the season.

Despite that, there was optimism with the 19-year old put into Canada's Fed Cup squad for their qualifier against Switzerland but she was only put potentially in for doubles action after previously having to withdraw from the Australian Open.

She would have hoped to begin her season at events in Dubai and Doha but is now unable to and said it is just too soon in her recovery which brings concerns about whether she will be fit in time to play in Indian Wells where she will be defending her title.

"I'm very sad to announce that I won't be able to compete in the Qatar Total Open in Doha next week," said Andreescu.

"I'm not at 100 % yet, and following my team and doctor's recommendation, I don't want to take any risk to reinjure my knee. Each day I get closer to being back to the court competing, but Doha is just too soon. Hope I can come and play in Doha next year."

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