French Open: bang! Defending champion Ashleigh Barty surprisingly cancels
Contrary to expectations , Ashleigh Barty will not travel to Europe to take part in the French Open . The Australian announced in a statement. This means that Barty will not be able to defend her title at the Grand Slam in Paris. At the same time, this means the end of the season for the first in the world rankings.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Sep 08, 2020, 02:21 am
A look at the entry list at the French Open revealed a much friendlier picture, especially in the women's competition, than the starting field at the US Open had done a month earlier. In addition to the long-term injured US Open winner Bianca Andreescu, the world number one and last year's winner Ashleigh Barty should also be there. A plan that looked pretty safe, especially when tournament director Guy Forget announced the Australian's start in a press conference.
But nothing comes of that, a few hours later Barty announced in a statement that he did not want to travel to Europe - and accordingly not to participate in the French Open. "It was a difficult decision, but unfortunately I will not be in Europe this year go to the start ", so the world number one in a statement. Thus, the entire remaining season of Bartys falls into the water, she will now concentrate on preparing for the next year, the Australian assured.
Season preparation and COVID-19 as the reason
Meanwhile, Barty gave two reasons for her rejection. On the one hand, the health risks that still exist in connection with COVID-19 are a problem, on the other hand, the preparation went anything but according to plan, especially due to the fact that her trainer was not allowed to travel to Australia due to travel restrictions.
So it is clear that the French Open 2020 will have a new winner, Ashleigh Barty will in any case not be able to defend her title. In the previous year, the Australian had won the final against Marketa Vondrousova. The Grand Slam in Roland Garros is scheduled to start on September 27th. In France, unlike at the US Open, they are planning to play in front of spectators.