“I Hope I Get the Chance to Defend My Title” – Ashleigh Barty on French Open New Dates

Amid coronavirus threat, the Roland Garros 2020 was postponed by four months. While many players complained about not getting a heads up from the organisers, Ashleigh Barty appeared calm and nonchalant about when the tournament will be taking place. Was the defending champion pre-informed about the postponement decision?

The coronavirus pandemic continues to wreak havoc on the global sporting calendar with the latest impact coming on tennis. The French Open 2020 was postponed from May 18 – June 7 to September 20 – October 4. However, Barty still remains typically upbeat and hard-headed to defend her title, disregarding of when the tournament takes place.

“I hope I get the chance to defend my title”: Ashleigh Barty

Unlike Rafael Nadal, Barty revealed that she did not receive any notice from the organizers of Roland Garros 2020 about postponing the event by four months. Nevertheless, the Australian is determined to defend her title later this year.

I haven’t spoken to Guy Forget. But I’m happy to play the tournament whenever it is scheduled,” Barty told the Australian Associated Press.

“I hope I get the chance to defend my title in September. Any opportunity to compete is something I’ll grab with both hands,” she added.

Earlier this week the French Tennis Federation (FFT) delayed the clay slam until the last week of September due to the outspread of COVID-19. It will take place a week after the US Open.

The French Open 2020 will also clash with many hard court tournaments including the Laver Cup. Subsequently, the tennis world criticised the FTT for a lack of communication with other tennis associations regarding their plans.

However, Barty chose to not comment on the situation as she explained there are more important things going on in the world right now. She also suggested that she will do whatever helps keep us all safe and healthy.