World Number One Ash Barty and defending French Open Champion has announced that she is withdrawing from the French Open at Rolland Garros.

The Australian was one of the first seeds to withdraw from the U.S. Open at Flushing Meadows, and has cited the COVID-19 pandemic as the reasons behind her withdrawal from the European event.

The 24-year-old World Number One claimed her maiden grand slam victory at Roland Garros in 2019, but has been unable to train with her coach in Australia because of travel restrictions.

It has been a difficult decision to make but unfortunately I will not be competing in Europe this year. Last year’s French Open was the most special tournament of my career so this is not a decision I have made… https://t.co/Tyh2yKEHxV