World number one Ash Barty will not defend her WTA Finals title in Mexico next month as the Wimbledon champions decide to bring an early end to their 2021 season.
Barty last won the season-ending tournament when it was held in Shenzhen in November 2019, but the Australian will not travel to Guadalajara to attend this year’s event, which runs from 10-17 November.
“I want to let everyone know that I will not participate in any other tournaments, including the WTA Finals in Mexico in 2021,” Barty said in a statement. “It was a difficult decision but I need to prioritize my body and my body. We remain focused on recovering from our 2021 season and the strongest preseason ever for the Australian summer. “
Barty returned to Australia in September after a third round exit from the US Open, effectively ending a season during which she won five titles, including Wimbledon. He was earlier dropped from Australia’s squad that will play in the final of the Billie Jean King Cup in Prague next month.
The 25-year-old will now focus on building up to January’s Australian Open, where she will look to improve on her run to the quarter-finals in 2021.
“With the current challenges and quarantine requirements of traveling back to Queensland, I am unwilling to compromise my preparation for January,” he said. “My focus is now on the Australian summer and I will do everything I can to win the Australian Open. I can’t wait to play at home again.”
read all breaking news, breaking news And coronavirus news Here. follow us on Facebook, Twitter And wire.