Ash Barty, the first Aussie woman to hold the #1 spot in tennis since Evonne Goolagong Cawley in 1976, has had to pull out from the Eastbourne International in the south of England, due to injury, as 9 World Of Sports writes.
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Barty’s withdrawal comes just days after she nabbed top ranking after winning the Birmingham Classic against German Julia Goerges on Sunday, and a week out from her shot at London‘s Wimbledon. She’s currently sitting on a 12-match winning streak.
It’s the same arm injury – pain from bone stress in her serving arm – the 23-year-old suffered when she had to drop out of the Strasbourg International, ahead of her win at the French Open over Czech Markéta Vondroušová.
The true blue Aussie sporting legend – not being facetious, just stating facts – however would like to assuage any doubts about her ability to play in the Grand Slam.
Speaking to the media, Ash Barty said:
It’s an injury that we’ve had to manage since I was 16 years old.
When we have a spike in load, it comes up. Just a bone stress injury and we need to look after it.
I think we’ll be fine and be ready to go next week.
The plan is to take a few days off to mend ahead of The Championships.
“We’re going to take a few days offs and get the arm right and be ready for next week,” Barty added. “It’s something I manage. It doesn’t require medication at this stage.”
The one-time Brisbane Heat Big Bash player may use her time off the court to catch the Cricket World Cup at Lord’s, thanks to the ever- helpful Justin Langer:”If it works out, we’ll try and get to the cricket, If not, we’ll be watching on telly.”
Barty has described the last month, rising and rising up through the ranks, as a “whirlwind” and “the most incredible time” in her life.
Rest up and smash ’em, Ash.
