Ashleigh Barty announced that she will not defend her French Open title. The world no.1 has already skipped the US Open and she decided to miss the entire European season to most probably not to play an official competition in 2020 anymore.
Ashleigh revealed that the reasons for her not to travel to Europe are both the health concerns and the fact that she didn’t prepare well during the lockdown.
Barty’s statement
Barty released the following comment:
“It has been a difficult decision to make but unfortunately I will not be competing in Europe this year. Last year’s French Open was the most special tournament of my career so this is not a decision I have made lightly.
There are two reasons for my decision. The first is the health risks that still exist with Covid. The second is my preparation, which has not been ideal without my coach being able to train with me due to the state border closures in Australia”
The Barty sent her best wishes to the tournament, outlining her next steps:
“I wish the players and the French Federation all the best for a successful tournament.
I now look forward to a long preseason and the summer in Australia. It has been a challenging year for everyone and although I am disappointed on a tennis front, the health and well-being of my family and my team will always be my priority. Thank you to my fans for your continued support, I can’t wait to play for you again.”
Serena Williams not sure she will play the French Open
Unfortunately, Serena Williams is also not sure about competing in the upcoming Roland Garros. Serena is worried about health safety at the French Open as she will not be allowed to stay at her apartment in Paris. Still, everything needs to be confirmed.
Ashleigh Barty in 2020
Now ranked no.1, the Australian played her last match on the 28th of February when she lost to Petra Kvitova 6-4 2-6 6-4 in the semifinal in Doha.
Currently, this year Ashleigh has a 11-3 win-loss record. The Australian clinched 1 title in Adelaide.
Serena Williams at the U.S. Open, ranking, and results in 2020
Now the world no.8, Serena has a 15-4 win-loss record in 2020. Serena is at the U.S. Open where she beat Kristie Ahn 7-5 6-3
, Margarita Gasparyan 6-2 6-4, Sloane Stephens 2-6 6-2 6-2 and Maria Sakkari 6-3 6-76 6-3.Serena Williams will play Pironkova in the quarter. The head to head is 4-0 for Serena Williams.
Serena conquered 1 title in 2020 in Auckland.
Serena won 73 titles in her career: 43 on hard courts, 13 on clay courts, 7 on indoor courts, 2 on carpet courts and 8 on grass courts. (See the list of her titles)
Ashleigh Barty and Serena Williams played each other twice. The head to head is 2-0 for Williams. The last time that they played, Serena Williams won 3-6 6-3 6-4 in the 2nd round in Paris (French Open) in May 2018.
Ashleigh Barty and Serena Williams |
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