News

Why Barty retired from the WTA Finals allowing Muguruza, Swiatek to qualify

These are the reasons why Ashleigh Barty will not play the WTA Finals in Guadalajara

23 October 2021

IT’S OFFICIAL: Ashleigh Barty retires from the WTA Finals, allowing Garbine Muguruza and Iga Swiatek to qualify for the season’s finale.

It’s no surprise that the Australian champion will not play the last act of the WTA season. Ashleigh has never been extremely keen on being far away from home for too much time. The world no. 1 spent 8 months on the road in 2021 before being back in Australia and many were wondering if Barty was willing to play the Finals. Eventually, Ashleigh confirmed that she would not compete anymore in 2021. She added that the harsh lockdown in Queensland also had a toll.

With her decision, Garbine Muguruza and Iga Swiatek qualify for Guadalajara. There are still 2 places available for the WTA Finals. Paula Badosa and Ons Jaber are the favorites to get the last spots.

Ashleigh Barty in 2021

Now ranked no.1, Barty played her last match on the 4^th of September when she capitulated to world no.40 Shelby Rogers 6-2 1-6 7-6(5) in the 3^rd round in U.S. Open (draw).

Until now, during this year the Australian owns a 42-8 win-loss record. Ashleigh has won 5 titles in 2021 in Melbourne, in Miami, in Stuttgart, in Wimbledon and in Cincinnati. Barty got to the final in Madrid.

U.S. Open

Barty's Record

Garbine Muguruza in 2021

Currently the world no.5, the Spaniard played her last match on the 22^nd of October when she was defeated by world no.20 Anett Kontaveit 6-1 6-1 in the quarter in Moscow (draw).

At the moment, during this season the Spaniard has achieved a 38-16 win-loss record. Garbine conquered 2 titles in 2021 in Dubai and in Chicago. The Spaniard got to the final in Melbourne and in Doha.

Moscow

Muguruza's Record

Ashleigh Barty and Garbine Muguruza clashed against each other 4 times. The head to head is 3-1 for Barty. The last time they locked horns, Ashleigh Barty won 7-6(3) 6-4 in the final in Melbourne (Yarra Valley Classic) on the 7^th of February 2021.

Here the highlights.

Iga Swiatek in 2021

Currently the world no.11, the Pole played her last match on the 12^th of October when she was defeated by world no.30 Jelena Ostapenko 6-4 6-3 in the 4^th round in Indian Wells (draw).

During this season Iga has a 35-13 record. Iga has won 2 titles in 2021 in Adelaide and in Rome.