Ashleigh Barty Exits the French Open, Another Jolt to the Women’s Draw
The New York Times
Just eight of the top 16 women’s seeds at Roland Garros remained after Barty withdrew during the second round because of an injury, but the defending champion, Iga Swiatek, has looked very strong.
PARIS — Naomi Osaka, the No. 2 seed, did not play her second-round match at the French Open. Ashleigh Barty, the No. 1 seed, could not finish hers: She trudged to her chair in the second set on Thursday, leaving her racket behind, and then walked to the net to shake the hand of her opponent, Magda Linette. “It’s disappointing to end like this,” said Barty, the matter-of-fact Australian who won the French Open in 2019. “I’ve had my fair share of tears this week.” Barty’s comment on the setback was made at a post-match news conference, a virtual gathering in which she shared background on her left hip injury and her decision to stop the match when trailing by 1-6, 2-2. Osaka, who has recently revealed her bouts with depression and social anxiety, withdrew on Monday because of a dispute with tennis officials over participating in similar media duties.More Related News