Ash Barty has pulled out of two tournaments this month due to ‘inadequate preparation’ in recent weeks following her triumph at the Australian Open.
The world No.1 has issued a statement confirming that she will not be playing at the Miami Open or the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. She is a two-time champion in Miami.
Barty is yet to lose this season but last played on the Tour on January 29th when she defeated Danielle Collins to become the first home player to win the Australian Open women’s title in more than 40 years. At the start of the year she also won the Adelaide International.
“I wanted to share an update on my schedule for the coming months,” Barty said in a statement. “Unfortunately my body has not recovered the way I’d hoped after the Australian Open and I have not been able to adequately prepare for Indian Wells and Miami. I don’t believe I am at the level necessary to win these events and as a result I have decided to withdraw from both tournaments. I love these events and am sad not to be there competing but getting my body right must be my focus.”
The 25-year-old is targeting a return to action in April for Australia’s clash with Slovakia in the Billie Jean King Cup prior switching her focus towards the European clay swing. Barty has represented her country in 11 ties since 2013 and has won 18 out of 22 matches played.
“My aim is to represent my country at the upcoming Billie Jean King Cup event in April. After missing the BJK Cup last year I can’t wait to wear the green and gold again,” she states.
Despite withdrawing from the two North American WTA 1000 events, Barty remains in a good position to maintain her No.1 status. She currently leads second place Barbora Krejcikova by almost 3000 points. The only way her position will be under threat is if one of the top four players win both Miami and Indian Wells.
In her statement, Barty also paid tribute to those who have been affected by recent events happening in her home country of Australia and around the world.
“On a more important note, it has been a tough few weeks at home in Australia and around the world. I send all of my thoughts and best wishes to everyone in Queensland and New South Wales who have been affected by the devastating floods. To the people of Ukraine, especially my peers in the tennis family, we are all thinking of you and hope for peace.” She said.
Barty has won 15 WTA titles and earned more than $23.8M in prize money so far in her career.
