MELBOURNE, Australia — Australian Open organizers said Saturday that U.S. Open champion Bianca Andreescu has withdrawn from the first major of the season due to a knee injury.

The 19-year-old from Mississauga, who won the Lou Marsh award last month as Canada's athlete of the year, took to Twitter to share the unfortunate news.

“The Australian Open is unfortunately too soon in my rehab process and I sadly will not be able to play in it this year," Andreescu said. “It was a very tough decision to make as I love to play in Melbourne but I have to respect the recuperation plan for my knee and body."

Hey guys, just wanted to give you a little update on my knee rehab after I got injured at the WTA finals in Shenzhen. My rehab is going well, I feel better and stronger every day but after discussing it with my team and following the recommendation of the doctors, the Australian — Bianca (@Bandreescu_) January 11, 2020

Open is unfortunately too soon in my rehab process and I sadly will not be able to play in it this year. It was a very tough decision to make as I love to play in Melbourne but I have to respect the recuperation plan for my knee and body. I can’t wait to come back to Aus soon x — Bianca (@Bandreescu_) January 11, 2020

Tournament officials also announced on Twitter that Richard Gasquet had withdrawn with a knee injury while Juan del Potro is also recovering from a knee ailment and will not be able to play.

The tournament begins Jan. 20 in Melbourne.

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