World No.1 Ashleigh Barty will sit out the rest of 2021, choosing to skip a trip to Mexico to defend her WTA Finals title to instead focus on the Australian summer.

The quarantine requirements needed to get back into Queensland, compared to Victoria and NSW, played a role in her decision.

Brisbane native Barty has had a fruitful year, winning five titles including Wimbledon, after returning to the WTA tour following a hiatus for much of last year due to the pandemic.

“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 in a statement.

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“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.”

More to come

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