World No. 1 Ash Barty is out of Indian Wells and the Miami Open, pulling out of both tournaments on Thursday while citing a need for ongoing recovery following her Australian Open win.
Indian Wells begins next week while the Miami Open, where Barty is a two-time defending champion, begins March 21.
World No.1 Ash Barty has withdrawn from the 2022 BNP Paribas Open. pic.twitter.com/nXKWk20ZIP— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) March 3, 2022
World No.1 Ash Barty has withdrawn from the 2022 BNP Paribas Open. pic.twitter.com/nXKWk20ZIP
“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,” Barty said. “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 sad not to be there competing but getting my body right must be my focus.”
She added that she aims to return and represent her country in the Billie Jean King Cup event which begins April 15.
“After missing the BJK Cup last year I can’t wait to wear the green and gold again.”
The tennis stars’ withdrawal means that both finalists from the Australian Open in January will not be present at Indian Wells. Danielle Collins also decided not to play the tournament, citing ongoing injuries.
Barty’s Australian Open win ended a 44-year drought for Australian Open at Melbourne Park. It was her third Grand Slam singles title and her first on hard courts.