Ashleigh Barty won’t defend her French Open title this year as the world No 1 opted to miss the tournament in Paris because of considerations over COVID-19 and an inadequacy of coaching time spent along with her coach.
The Australian, who became the largest name to drag out so far, has already skipped the US Open, presently competing in New York. Her absence from Roland Garros is going to be an enormous setback to the organizers, who scheduled for a delayed 21 September start amid the pandemic in France.
Barty’s maiden slam success came on the Parisian clay last year, however, the 24-year-old said her health and the safety of her family and team trumped the chance to claim the Coupe Suzanne-Lenglen for a second straight year.
“It has been a difficult decision to make but unfortunately I will not0 be competing in Europe this year,” Barty said in a statement. “Last year’s French Open was the most special tournament of my career, so this is not a decision I have made lightly.”
The Queenslander, who has been graded the most effective women’s tennis player within the world since June 2019, same the present international health scenario was a part of her call, however, the impact of the pandemic on her coaching schedule was conjointly an element.
Preparations had “not been ideal” this year, she said, and time spent for training with her coach Craig Tyzzer had been limited “due to the state border closures in Australia”. There was also an inadequacy of match practice – she has not contended a competitive match since February – to be thought of.
Barty also will miss the EU WTA Tour events and can instead specialize in coaching reception in the Australian state in preparation for the coming summer of lawn tennis on home ground.
The Australian Open remains on at this stage, though the Kooyong Classic was cancelled last week. tennis Australia is trying into the chance of programing a lot of tournaments towards the tip of the year, additionally to the standard preparation events for the first slam of 2021.
“I now look forward to a long pre-season and the summer in Australia,” Barty said. “It has been a challenging year for everyone and although I am disappointed on a tennis front, the health and wellbeing of my family and my team will always be my priority.
“Thank you to my fans for your continued support, I can’t wait to play for you again.”
There has been a spike in coronavirus cases in France recently and last week the country recorded a new incomparable high of daily extra infections.
Barty, along with several different huge names together with compatriot Nick Kyrgios and a complete of six of the women’s prime ten, selected to remain far from the U.S. Open citing COVID considerations.
