Putting her health first, Ashleigh Barty has placed her year-end top ranking in jeopardy after making the agonising decision not to defend her French Open crown.
Uncomfortable about travelling during the coronavirus pandemic and with her preparations hampered by COVID-19 restrictions in Australia, Barty announced her planned no-show at Roland Garros on Tuesday.
But, as she did by skipping the US Open in New York, the 24-year-old is once again putting her wellbeing, and that of her tight-knit team, first. "It has been a challenging year for everyone and, although I am disappointed on a tennis front, the health and wellbeing of my family and my team will always be my priority.Ash Barty named 2020 Young Australian of the Year
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