
via Getty
MASON, OHIO – AUGUST 22: Ashleigh Barty of Australia wipes the sweat from her face against Jil Teichmann of Switzerland during the women’s singles finals of the Western & Southern Open at Lindner Family Tennis Center on August 22, 2021 in Mason, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

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MASON, OHIO – AUGUST 22: Ashleigh Barty of Australia wipes the sweat from her face against Jil Teichmann of Switzerland during the women’s singles finals of the Western & Southern Open at Lindner Family Tennis Center on August 22, 2021 in Mason, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Ashleigh Barty has had a dream start to the 2022 season. The 25-year-old won her maiden Australian Open title, defeating Danielle Collins of the USA in the summit clash. Moreover, she dominated her opponents en route to the title, winning her ‘home’ Grand Slam without dropping a set.
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Further, Barty is yet to play a tournament after her Australian Open success. Recently, she delivered a huge update regarding her participation in the ‘Sunshine Double’.
Ashleigh Barty pulls out of the BNP Paribas Open and the Miami Open
The Australian has pulled out of this month’s ‘Sunshine Double’ owing to health issues. Updating her fans on her upcoming schedule, she said, “Unfortunately my body has not recovered the way I’d hoped after the Australian Open and I have not been able to adequately prepare for Indian Wells and Miami. I don’t believe I am at the level necessary to win these events and as a result, I have decided to withdraw from both tournaments. I love these events and am so sad not to be there competing but getting my body right must be my focus.”

via Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Women’s Singles Final – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – January 29, 2022. Australia’s Ashleigh Barty celebrates winning the final against Danielle Collins of the U.S. REUTERS/Loren Elliott TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
However, Barty hopes to recover in time to represent Australia at the Billie Jean King Cup. Further, she added, “My aim is to represent my country at the upcoming Billie Jean King Cup event in April. After missing the BJK Cup last year I can’t wait to wear the green and gold again.”
Ash Barty has withdrawn from Indian Wells and Miami, aims to return in April for Australia’s home tie at the Billie Jean King Cup. https://t.co/WCDgbQ65XI
Full statement from Barty: pic.twitter.com/oAkT53vHdA
— WTA Insider (@WTA_insider) March 3, 2022
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Barty opens up on the geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe and the floods in Australia
Australia’s south-eastern coast has been affected by the worst floods in decades. Thousands of people have had to evacuate owing to this. On the other hand, there is rising instability in Eastern Europe.
Talking about this situation, Barty said, “On a more important note, it has been a tough few weeks at home in Australia and around the world. I send all of my thoughts and best wishes to everyone in Queensland and New South Wales who have been affected by the devastating floods. To the people of Ukraine, especially my peers in the tennis family, we are all thinking of you and hope for peace.”

via Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – January 27, 2022. Australia’s Ashleigh Barty in action during her semi final match against Madison Keys of the U.S. REUTERS/Loren Elliott
With Barty pulling out of two huge tournaments this month, it will be a huge blow for her, given her dominance in women’s tennis currently. We hope that she comes back stronger after recovering from her health issues.
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