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)
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)
There was a lot of speculation going on around in the tennis world, whether Ashleigh Barty would compete in the WTA Finals or not. Now, it is confirmed that the Australian World No.1 will not play in the year-ending championships. Along with this tough decision, she has also concluded her incredible 2021 tennis season.
Notably, the reigning Wimbledon champion will defend neither the WTA Finals title nor the Billie Jean King Cup. No doubt, such a choice would have been tough to make. However, considering the eight months on the road, away from home and the stress of Queenland’s quarantine, this decision seemed logical.
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Ashleigh Barty ends her incredible 2021 tennis season
Inarguably, 2021 will go down as one of the best seasons of her career. Overall, Ashleigh Barty collected five WTA titles, including the Wimbledon Championships, this year. The other four titles came at the Yarra Valley Classic, Miami, Stuttgart, and Cincinnati tennis tournaments.
via Reuters
Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – July 10, 2021 Australia’s Ashleigh Barty poses as she celebrates with the trophy after winning her final match against Czech Republic’s Karolina Pliskova Pool via REUTERS/Jed Leicester
But besides the glory, the 25-year-old set a new standard for consistency on the WTA Tour. Not to forget, the slice shot addition to her already extensive tennis artillery.
Indeed, it is unfortunate that tennis fans will not see her in the remainder of the 2021 season. Therefore, her US Open loss against American Shelby Rogers will remain her last match of this year.
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Most significantly, Barty will utilize this time to rejuvenate and recover her body for another scrutinizing tennis season next year. Sometimes an extra time off comes in handy for a longer career haul.
But even though the Aussie star has ended her season, the top spot in the WTA Rankings remains safe. Also, it is most likely that she would retain her 2020 position as the year-ending WTA World No.1.
Read More: We Are Lucky To Witness the Greatness of Serena Williams, Says Former American Player
What’s next for Barty after the end of her 2021 season?
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Following the withdrawal from the 2021 season, Barty can now solely focus on what’s next to come. Without a doubt, she will be looking forward to her preparations for the Australian Open next year.
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 29, 2021; Miami, Florida, USA; Ashleigh Barty of Australia hits a forehand against Victoria Azarenka of Belarus (not pictured) in the fourth round in the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Despite the success, the 25-year-old had only a decent run in the Grand Slams other than Wimbledon. Thus, it might be on her list to improve in the coming year.
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All in all, Barty has been such a treat to the tennis world throughout the 2021 season. Hopefully, she will continue to excel in challenges and break records for many more years to come.
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