Ash Barty suffers fresh blow after brutal start to 2021 season
Ash Barty has withdrawn from the Dubai Tennis Championship after revealing she is still recovering from a leg injury.
The World No.1 finally succumbed to a nagging thigh injury which was heavily strapped throughout her Australian Open run, as well as her shock loss at the Adelaide International.
OUCH: Tennis fans left gutted over Roger Federer's latest withdrawal
'NO FUNDS': Tennis boss confirms $1 million Rafa Nadal drama
Barty announced she would miss the Qatar Open after she was unceremoniously dumped from the Adelaide International first round in straight sets by Danielle Collins.
But now, the World No.1 said she would also miss the Dubai Championship in her efforts to recover from the injury that has plagued her in 2021.
"Unfortunately I have withdrawn from the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships," Barty said in a statement.
"I wish the tournament a safe and successful event and hope to play there next year.
"Thank you to the event organisers and the WTA for all the work you are doing."
Ash Barty eyes return at Miami Open
She is now eyeing a return at the Miami Open, where she is the reigning champion.
"I look forward to competing again in Miami in a few weeks time," the World No.1 said.
Barty initially played down the leg injury during the Australian Open.
But it appears after her shock loss to American Collins, she has struggled to recapture her form at the beginning of the year in the lead up to the Aus Open.
Despite claiming she isn't too concerned about grabbing the World No.1 spot, Australian Open champ Naomi Osaka will be looking to clinch top spot if she keeps up her form.
Barty remained World No.1 after the Australian Open largely due to the two-year ranking system, which was put in place following the coronavirus pandemic interruption.
Despite the brutal new blow it hasn't been all bad news for Barty in 2021.
The Aussie star won the WTA Yarra Valley Classic at Melbourne Park in the lead-up to the Australian Open.
with AAP
Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.
