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World No 1

The fate of Barty’s home Grand Slam, the Australian Open in January, is yet to be determined, with the possibility it could be moved out of Melbourne if the city’s outbreak has not eased.

Barty’s straight-sets victory over Marketa Vondrousova in the French Open last year helped propel her to world No 1, a position she has held since.

Her last competitive singles match was in late February at the Qatar Open.

Barty’s French Open withdrawal comes after tournament organisers said all players at the Grand Slam would be housed in two designated hotels “without exception” to reduce coronavirus risks.

Daily crowd numbers have been reduced to 11 500 from 20 000 and the Roland Garros complex is being divided into three independent zones, with no crossover between them.

Serena Williams has indicated she would prefer to stay in private accommodation while competing in Paris, as she has done in New York.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion, who has a history of serious lung problems, said she would speak to French Open organisers before making a decision on whether to compete.

“I’m honestly taking it one day at a time. I’m going to have to make the best decision for my health,” Williams told reporters after making the quarter-finals at Flushing Meadows.

“It’s just, I still have some questions, but I’m really kind of, ironically, focused on New York but it’s kind of hard because these Grand Slams are so close to each other this year,” she added.