SYDNEY: World number one Ashleigh Barty announced on Tuesday she will not defend her French Open crown, citing the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) fears that also prompted her to withdraw from this year’s US Open.

The Australian, who claimed her maiden Grand Slam at Roland Garros in 2019, said it was a ‘difficult’ decision but the health of her family and team came first.

“Last year’s French Open was the most special tournament of my career so this is not a decision I have made lightly,” she said on social media. “There are two reasons for my decision — the first is the health risks that still exist with Covid-19. The second is my preparation, which has not been ideal without my coach being able to train with me due to the state border closures in Australia.”

Barty announced in late July that she would sit out the US Open, currently being played in New York, but was still monitoring the situation with the French Open, which is due to start on Sept 27.

She said the decision not to attend was the latest development in ‘a challenging year for everyone’.

“I wish the players and the French Federation all the best for a successful tournament,” the 24-year-old said. “I now look forward to a long preseason and the summer in Australia.”

Barty’s withdrawal comes after organisers at Roland Garros said all players at the Grand Slam would be housed in two designated hotels ‘without exception’ to reduce Covid-19 risks.

Tournament director Guy Forget also announced that just 11,500 spectators a day will be admitted instead of the 20,000 they were originally hoping to accommodate during the tournament.

Current French government law limits public gatherings to 5,000.

The Roland Garros complex will be divided into three separate zones ‘independent of one another’ and corresponding to each of the main showcourts, with no crossing in-between.

Courts Philippe Chatrier and Suzanne Lenglen will be limited to 5,000 spectators apiece with Simonne Mathieu restricted to just 1,500. No tickets will be sold for the outside courts.

In total, fewer than 150,000 fans are expected over the course of the 15 days — just over a quarter of the 520,000 who attended the 2019 edition.

“Players will be tested upon their arrival and will receive their accreditation as soon as the first negative test is returned”, said Forget.

A second test will be carried out within 72 hours and then another every five days based on a player’s progression in the tournament, he added.

French tennis federation director-general Jean-Francois Vilotte said: “We are not thinking in terms of an airtight sanitary bubble, it’s a fantasy.

“What we’re putting in place, it’s to completely minimise the risks,” he continued. “But the principle of responsibility is respect towards everyone and for the social distancing measures. It’s the only way to protect one’s health and the health of those we come across.”

Players will only have access to the tournament site on the days of their matches. They will be confined to practice courts at the nearby Jean Bouin club the rest of the time.

Published in Dawn, September 9th, 2020