Ash Barty was widely welcomed in Australia on Thursday for ensuring that the safety of her team and herself was paramount and that she withdrew from this year’s US Open.
But her decision to skip the Grand Slam because of the real health risks that come from traveling to New York amid the coronavirus pandemic was not so well received in America.
Due to fears, the tournament, which is scheduled to start on September 1, is losing its shine as several top players sign out and fans are shocked and ridiculed for the world’s number one.
“Who will miss her?” “I’ve never heard of her anyway!” You said about the French Open champion, who with 8717 WTA ranking points is more than 2600 points ahead of the next best player in the world.
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It was up to America’s most experienced tennis writers to respond to the noise.
“Surprised – although we shouldn’t be – by how many people have problems with Ash Barty refusing to attend the US Open,” Sports Illustrated tweeted Jon Wertheim. “For the foreseeable future, it is completely forbidden to rethink a player’s decision to forego an event.”
“Strangely many dismissive comments about Barty’s withdrawal from the US Open,” added Christopher Clarey, tennis correspondent for the New York Times. “It’s not a dominant force yet, but let’s be clear: every tennis tournament with Ash Barty on the field is a better tennis tournament.”
“Nothing but respect for Ash Barty’s decision not to play at the US Open,” wrote Nick McCarvel. “We live in a new reality. It doesn’t matter if you are in 1st or 100th place, if you are not sure to travel and go out into the world, you can make this decision not to. Stay healthy, Ash. “
Barty announced her retreat on Thursday in a typically classy way.
“My team and I have decided that we won’t be going to the Western and Southern Open and the US Open this year,” said Barty.
“I love both events, so it was a difficult decision, but COVID-19 still poses significant risks and I don’t feel comfortable putting my team and myself in this position.
“I wish USTA all the best for the tournaments and look forward to being back in the US next year.”
The 140th edition of the US Open has been postponed due to COVID-19 and is now scheduled for August 31 through September 13.
Barty is expected to continue defending her French Open title at Roland Garros, which will start on September 27th.
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