The BNP Paribas Open has announced that world number one Ashleigh Barty will skip the tournament this year, although they haven’t cited the reason.
Barty’s withdrawal is not surprising, as her coach Craig Tyzzer recently spoke about the Australian’s exhaustion and need to get back home to rest. Then he mostly talked about the WTA Finals in Guadalajara, Mexico, how he found the location a ridiculous choice by the WTA, and even though he noted that Barty would definitely play the BNP Paribas Open, they have apparently changed plans.
It looks like Barty could skip the rest of the season. Or she’s taking some rest to be ready for title defense at the WTA Finals. Her last match was the third-round loss to American Shelby Rogers at the US Open.
The top-ranked WTA player boasts a 42-8 win-loss record in 2021 and has won five titles this season, including Wimbledon. The Australian is also WTA’s 2021 prize money leader with $3,945,182.
The BNP Paribas Open, rescheduled from March to October because of the COVID-19 pandemic, will also miss Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams.
Not surprised. She’s homesick. She is not going to Guadalajara..she will be back in Australia in 2 seconds!????????
Jim, I also believe she will skip Guadalajara, judging by what her coach said. Although it is a shame, especially because she is defending champion. But if it’s for the best, I completely stand by her decision.