2021 has fallen flat for World No.1 Ash Barty. The Australian has now withdrawn from the flagship WTA event Dubai Tennis Championships. After a shock exit at the Australian Open 2021 at the start of the year, she has now picked up a leg injury.

In a statement from the player, she revealed that she suffered an injury in her left leg. Obviously, as she was the World No.1, she was the number one seed.

“Unfortunately I have withdrawn from the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships with a left leg injury.”

Ash Barty eyeing a title reunion at Miami Open 2021

Furthermore, she wished good luck to the event which will be taking place behind closed doors. Barty is staying cautious as she looks ahead at defending her title at Miami Open 2021.

“I wish the tournament a safe and successful event and hope to play there next year. Thank you to the event organizers and the WTA for all the work you are doing, I look forward to competing again in Miami in a few weeks time.”

Dubai Tennis Championships is a WTA 1000 event and is one of the richest tournaments among the WTA 1000 events. It also holds a men’s event and is one of the prominent tournaments before the Sunshine Double of Indian Wells and Miami Open.

Dubai Tennis Championships and Qatar Open happen in tandem. So there were indications of Barty’s withdrawal from Dubai when she withdrew from the Qatar Open.

Barty is the reigning champion in Miami. So to defend her title, she wants to recover quickly and get ready for Miami.

At Australian Open 2021, Barty was a favorite and looked like one until 25th seed Karolina Muchova defeated her in a tough three-setter. Later, while defending her title in Adelaide, Barty was shocked in the first round itself.

She was defeated by unseeded Danielle Collins in straight sets. This probably was a signal of her leg injury. It is now a race against the clock for Barty.

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