World No.1 Ash Barty has confirmed that she will not be travelling to Europe this year to defend her title at the French Open over concerns partly linked to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Australian said winning the Paris Grand Slam was the ‘most special moment’ of her career last year but will not be attending due to health concerns. Last week France recorded a record daily figure of over 8000 cases of the coronavirus which is more than 1000 above the previous benchmark set back in March. Tournament organisers revealed a series of measures that will be introduced at the event on Monday, including splitting the site into three separate zones and having a reduced attendance.
“It has been a difficult decision to make but unfortunately I will not 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.”
Elaborating further, Barty said her decision is also due to the lack of training she has managed to undergo due to the restrictions in her country. She lives in Queensland whilst her coach Craig Tyzzer is based in Melbourne, which has been hit by outbreaks of COVID-19 cases in recent weeks.
“There are two reasons for my decision,” she outlines. “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.”
Barty’s decision also means that she will not be playing another tournament on the WTA Tour this year. The 24-year-old started 2020 by winning 11 out of 14 matches prior to the Tour break due to the pandemic. In January she won her 8th WTA title at the Adelaide International before going on to reach the semi-finals of the Australian Open in what was her best ever run at the event.
“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,” she concluded.
Barty is the first top-20 player to pull out of the French Open due to reasons relating to the pandemic.
