Ash Barty withdraws from tournament at Indian Wells

World No. 1 Ash Barty has withdrawn from the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, according to the tournament’s Twitter account.

World No. 1 Ash Barty has withdrawn from #BNPPO21. pic.twitter.com/9r3ZbQ71EE

— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) September 27, 2021

She joins 2018 champion Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams in sitting out the tournament.

Barty’s coach Craig Tyzzer previously said that her WTA Finals defense was in doubt after the tournament was moved to Mexico. According to Tyzzer, Barty’s priority is to be properly prepared for the Australian Open in January after two weeks of quarantine upon her return. As such, her 2021 season could already be over.