World No.1 Ash Barty has pulled out of the year-ending WTA Finals in Guadalajara, Mexico and will focus on the Australian Open in January.
Quarantine requirements (two weeks in total isolation) upon return to Australia are believed to have played a major role in her decision.
“It was a difficult decision but I need to prioritise my body and my recovery from our 2021 season and focus on having the strongest preseason for the summer,” Barty said.
“With the ongoing challenges of travelling back to Queensland and quarantine requirements, I am not willing to compromise my preparation for January.
“I wish the WTA team and the players all the best for a successful WTA Finals and rest of the year.
“My focus is now on the Australian summer and doing everything I can to win the Australian Open,” she said.
“I can’t wait to play at home again.”
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