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Ashleigh Barty with French Open trophy
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Ashleigh Barty withdraws from French Open and ends season: ‘Health and well-being are my priorities’


Ashleigh Barty will not defend her Australia Open crown after confirming she has withdrawn from all events in Europe this year, essentially ending her season.

Barty won her maiden Grand Slam title at Roland Garros last year and it propelled her to the top of the women’s game.

However, the world number one has opted to err on the side of caution amid the coronavirus crisis and, just as she did when she pulled out of the US Open.

“It has been a difficult decision to make but unfortunately I will not be competing in Europe this year,” Ashleigh Barty said in a statement on Tuesday.

“Last year’s French Open was the most special tournament of my career so this is not a decision I have made lightly.”

“There are two reasons for my decision. The first is the health risks that still exist with Covid.

 

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It has been a difficult decision to make but unfortunately I will not be competing in Europe this year. Last year’s French Open was the most special tournament of my career so this is not a decision I have made lightly. There are two reasons for my decision. The first is the health risks that still exist with Covid. The second is my preparation, which has not been ideal without my coach being able to train with me due to the state border closures in Australia. I wish the players and the French Federation all the best for a successful tournament. I now look forward to a long preseason and the summer in Australia. It has been a challenging year for everyone and although I am disappointed on a tennis front, the health and well-being 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.

A post shared by Ash Barty (@ashbarty) on

“The second is my preparation, which has not been ideal without my coach being able to train with me due to the state border closures in Australia.

“I wish the players and the French Federation all the best for a successful tournament.

“I now look forward to a long preseason and the summer in Australia.

“It has been a challenging year for everyone and although I am disappointed on a tennis front, the health and well-being 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.”

The rankings points that Ashleigh Barty earned in Europe last year will be protected under the new system, a move designed to free players to make decisions such as this one without consequence.


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Michael Graham, Tennishead.net Editor, has been a professional sports journalist for his whole career and is especially passionate about tennis. He's been the Editor of Tennishead.net for over 5 years and loves watching live tennis by visiting as many tournaments as possible. Michael specialises in writing in-depth features about the ATP & WTA tours.