The world number one Ashleigh Barty will not be competing in the Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Championships this year due to a leg injury. The Australian will now be focusing on Miami Open to be held in a few weeks’ time. Barty has made sure of this through a statement published by WTA.
Ashleigh Barty of Australia celebrates with the trophy after her win against Karolina Pliskova of Czech Republic in the final during day thirteen of the Miami Open tennis on March 30, 2019 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Injury-prone World number one
Barty, who recently dropped out of the Qatar Open, also performed quite poorly at the Australian Open last month. There were high expectations regarding the performance of the world number one but her leg injury forced her out.
Dubai Duty Free Executive Vice President of Corporate Services Salah Tahlak, Ashleigh Barty of Australia and Dubai Duty Free Chief Operating Officer Ramesh Cidambi pose for a photo with the WTA Year-End World No. 1
The world number one dropped out of WTA 1000 in the United Arab Emirates and conveyed via WTA, “Unfortunately I have withdrawn from the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. I wish the tournament a safe and successful event and hope to play there next year. Thank you to the event organisers and the WTA for all the work you are doing.”
Everything happens for a reason… Disappointed but we learn and we go back to work!
I love being an Aussie. I love the Aussie Summer 🤍 pic.twitter.com/0SWEz2lx89
— Ash Barty (@ashbarty) February 17, 2021
The Australian wishes to defend Miami title
Adding on, the 25-years-old is the reigning Miami Open Champion, and she hopes to retain her title. The Australian beat the Czech Karolina Pliskova 7-6(7-1), 6-3 to clinch the title in 2019.
Look who’s coming to Miami😎
Full player field >> https://t.co/B88q9ACI3N pic.twitter.com/YviNem9O6j
— Miami Open (@MiamiOpen) February 25, 2021
The Miami Open did not take place in 2020 due to Coronavirus Pandemic. However, it is set to take place again this year. The Hard Rock Stadium event will start on March 22 and will continue till April 4.
