DOHA (Qatar): Australia’s world No.1 Ashleigh Barty has withdrawn from the Qatar Total Open 2021, the player announced on Wednesday.
With Barty out, world No.3 Simona Halep (Romania) will be hoping to win the tournament in the Qatari capital from March 1 to 6 .
“Unfortunately, I have withdrawn from the Qatar Total Open with a left leg injury. I wish the tournament a safe and successful event and hope to play there next year,” Barty was quoted as saying by Qatar Tennis Association.
The Aussie lost to unseeded American Danielle Collins in the second round at the Adelaide International on Wednesday, where the former overcame the world No.1 6-3, 6-4 in just 65 minutes.
A week ago at the Australian Open, the 24-year-old was stunned by Karolina Muchova in the quarterfinals.
“Thank you to the event organisers and the WTA for all the work you are doing, I look forward to competing again in Miami in a few weeks time,” Barty added.
The draw ceremony of the Qatar Total Open 2021, a WTA Tour event will be held virtually on February 27.
The entry list for the $565,530 event includes several world’s top stars including defending champion Aryna Sabalenka (8), world No. 5 Elina Svitolina, Karolina Pliskova (6), Petra Kvitova (10) and Bianca Andreescu (9)
The list also includes three Grand Slam titles winner Angelique Kerber of Germany, world No.11 Kiki Bertens, Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic, Garbiñe Muguruza of Spain, USA’s Madison Keys, Poland’s Iga Swiatek and USA’s Jennifer Brady, among others.
