Top-ranked Ash Barty will not defend her French Open title because of concerns over traveling during the Covid-19 pandemic.
After skipping the US Open, Barty has also decided against traveling to Europe for an event in Rome starting Sept 14 and the Sept 27-Oct 10 French Open.
“Last year’s French Open was the most special tournament of my career so this is not a decision I have made lightly,” Barty, who won her first major title on the clay courts of Roland Garros, said in a statement on Tuesday.
“I wish the players and the French Federation all the best for a successful tournament.”
Barty announced her withdrawal hours after French Open organizers said spectators would be allowed at the tournament despite a growing number of coronavirus cases in the country.
The 24-year-old Australian cited the health risks associated with Covid-19 and her interrupted preparation as the main reasons for pulling out of the tournaments. She hasn’t been able to work with her coach recently because of domestic state border closures in Australia.