Hard blow for the organizers of Roland-Garros: the world No. 1, the Australian Ashleigh Barty, announced her decision not to go to Paris to compete in the French stage of the Grand Slam (September 27 to October 11) . Already absent from the US Open, the title holder in Paris has given up traveling to the French capital for the same reasons: the health crisis and fear of COVID-19. Ashleigh Barty explained it on her Instagram account: “ It was a difficult decision to make, but unfortunately I will not be coming to play in Europe this year. The French Open last year was the most special tournament of my career, so it was not a decision I took lightly. There are two reasons for my choice. The first concerns the health risks that still exist with Covid. The second is my preparation, which was not ideal with the impossibility for my coach to come and train with me due to the closure of national borders in Australia. I am now looking forward to a long pre-season and the summer in Australia. » The announcement of the Australian's withdrawal came just a few hours after Roland-Garros tournament director Guy Forget assured a press conference that she would be present this year in Paris, just like Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.
