‘No Matter What’: Ashleigh Barty Gives Update on Her Bandaged Leg at Australian Open 2021

Ashleigh Barty is on a dominant run at the Australian Open 2021 and looks to be a favorite to win the title this year. Barty has been putting up strong performances one after the other, but her heavily strapped leg has everyone concerned about the Australian’s fitness. 

Barty has returned to action after being out for more than a year, but has hardly shown signs of rust in her game. Though the World No. 1 suffered a small slip in her second-round match, she well and truly looks in red-hot form. 

However, Barty’s heavily bandaged leg has been a cause for concern, and the 24-year-old was recently asked to describe what’s been going on with it in a recent press conference. 

“Feels good,” Barty replied about her leg. “It’s a pretty small tape job that looks a little more dramatic just from wrapping it to try and keep it on.

“But, no, good. Felt like it didn’t affect me at all today. It won’t affect me at all. I’ll be ready to go no matter what.”

This is indeed a positive sign from Ashleigh Barty that she is indeed 100% fit and ready to challenge for the title. The home favorite has never won the Australian Slam, and 2021 has really shaped up in her favor. 

Ashleigh Barty lauds upcoming opponent Shelby Rogers

Barty has marched into the fourth round at Australian Open 2021 and will face Shelby Rogers next. The Aussie is no stranger when it comes to playing Rogers as they’ve already met twice on the WTA Tour. 

Barty leads the head-to-head 2-0 but is wary ahead of their upcoming encounter due to the threat her American opponent can pose. 

“It’s always exceptionally tough against Shelby, she’s got the ability to take the game away from you. She’s got the ability to give you no control out there and that’s something I’m going to have to try and nullify and neutralize as best that I can,” Barty said. 

“At times it’ll be me scrapping and fighting. Other times I’ll be trying to take take the more aggressive option,” she further added.

Ashleigh Barty also revealed that a part of her game plan involves being extra-aggressive and force Rogers to take risks on the court. The 2019 Roland Garros champion is confident about her chances but is not taking her opponent lightly. 

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