The French Open will have fans.
It won’t have Ashleigh Barty.
The 2019 Roland Garros champion and world No. 1 announced on Instagram Monday that she will not travel to France to defend her title. Citing COVID-19, the 24-year-old Australian called the decision “difficult.”
“It has been a difficult decision to make but unfortunately I will not be competing in Europe this year,” Barty wrote. “Last year’s French Open was the most special tournament of my career so this is not a decision I have made lightly.”
In addition to direct COVID-19 concerns, Barty also cited her lack of preparation due to the inability to train with her coach because of pandemic-related travel restrictions.