Ashleigh Barty Further Raises Doubts Over WTA Finals 2021 After Recent Setback

After a phenomenal run at SW19 which resulted in a second major title and the first-ever Wimbledon crown, world no. Ashleigh Barty was one of the heavy favorites coming into the US Open this year. Barty’s victory at Cincinnati Masters further cemented her chances of winning another major title in New York. But the Australian was shocked when Shelby Rogers ousted her in the third-round at the US Open.

Rogers and Barty won one set each and were at loggerheads with each other in the third as the result was decided on a tie-breaker. A couple of errors from the Aussie on crucial points handed the victory to Shelby Rogers.

Despite the poor run at the US Open, Barty has had an excellent year so far as she won 5 titles (Wimbledon included) and remained one of the most consistent players on the WTA circuit.

Barty’s coach’s reaction to WTA Finals venue change

After the US Open, the Australian star didn’t announce her next tournament and was reportedly taking a short break before returning to tennis. In the meantime, the WTA announced its decision to shift the WTA Finals from Shenzhen in China to Guadalajara in Mexico.

This move wasn’t received well by Barty’s coach, Craig Tyzzer. He felt that the top eight players from the women’s tour shouldn’t be given unfavorable conditions to play the marquee event.

“We just realized that it is in Mexico, at an altitude of 1,500 meters, and that they use pressure-free balls there. It is a ball which, if you use it under normal conditions, does not bounce. It is not the best advertisement for the best players in the world”, Tyzzer said.

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Ashleigh Barty pulls out from Indian Wells Masters event

After these comments from her coach, the World No.1 has decided to pull out of Indian Wells Masters. The tournament is due to take place from the fourth of October.

The reason for her withdrawal is yet to be revealed. However, it’s clear that the Australian doesn’t want to play too many tournaments ahead of the start of next season.

There is no other Masters event scheduled for the rest of year post-Indian wells. However, there is a 500-series event in Russia and a couple of 250-level events before the start of WTA Finals. It’s highly unlikely that Barty will participate in any of these tournaments.

The absence of Barty until the WTA Finals will be a great chance for other players to make their mark at the upcoming tournaments, especially Indian Wells Masters.

Also read: “Just Ridiculous”: Ashleigh Barty’s Coach Against WTA Finals Venue