Ashleigh Barty: World number one misses WTA Finals and ends 2021 season early

Barty has not played since losing to Shelby Rogers in the third round of the US Open in September

World number one Ashleigh Barty has ended her season and will not defend her WTA Finals title next month because of the quarantine rules she would face on her return to Australia.

The Australian, 25, said she did not want to "compromise" her preparation for January's Australian Open.

"It was a difficult decision," the Wimbledon champion said in a statement.

"But I need to prioritise my body and my recovery from our 2021 season and focus on having the strongest preseason for the Australian summer.

"With the ongoing challenges of travelling back to Queensland and quarantine requirements, I am not willing to compromise my preparation for January.

"My focus is now on the Australian summer and doing everything I can to win the Australian Open."

Barty, who won five titles in 2021 including her Wimbledon triumph, has not played since losing in the third round of the US Open in early September.

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