Bianca Andreescu's Australian Open status up in the air following last-minute ASB Classic withdrawal

With the 2025 Australian Open only a few weeks away, fans of Bianca Andreescu may have to wait a bit longer to see the Canadian in Grand Slam action following her late withdrawal from the ASB Classic in Auckland.

The ASB Classic is often used as a precursor for the Melbourne Slam, with players finalizing their preparations before the first Grand Slam of the season. Although Andreescu was announced as a participant last month, the former Grand Slam champion withdrew from the event for "personal reasons", according to tournament director Nicolas Lamperin.

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Several top-ranked stars chose to compete at the United Cup

Many big names on the WTA Tour will be representing their countries at the United Cup, with defending Auckland champion Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek and Jasmine Paolini all slated to compete at the multinational event. World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka will be competing at Brisbane, alongside the American duo of Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro.

With several top stars missing, Auckland director Lamperin contacted former US Open runner-up Madison Keys to see her availability during that period. Keys was in the middle of getting married to longtime partner Bjorn Fratangelo, initially refused twice at first before finally agreeing to compete in Auckland. The American will be the top seed at the WTA 250 event.