Withdrawals put Wimbledon champ in prime position
TOKYO has a problem. But it could play right into Ash Barty’s hands.
Following another spate of withdrawals, the Olympic tennis event is rapidly turning into a farce – albeit one which could catapult Barty into more history by becoming Australia’s first singles gold medal winner.
Fresh from a Wimbledon triumph, and boasting the world’s top ranking, Barty arrived in Tokyo on Sunday night and would’ve been immediately confronted by her biggest challenger in the next two weeks: local hero Naomi Osaka.
The 23-year-old world No.2’s face adorns banners throughout the Olympic city, providing a regular reminder of the challenge facing Barty in her quest for greatness.
And the path is clearing for them to set up a showdown which could help settle who is the best female tennis player on the planet, with a raft of challengers falling over before getting to the start line.
Although far from an exhaustive list, among those missing from Tokyo are twotime grand slam champion Simona Halep, world No.4 Sofia Kenin and No.5 Bianca Andreescu, two-time Australian Open winner Victoria Azarenka and, of course, the incomparable Serena Williams.
Cruelly, some of those who actually do want to come – like Australia’s Alex de Minaur and American Coco Gauff, who both tested positive to Covid-19 in the past week – have been forced to withdraw after testing positive in the lead-up.
Barty’s teammate Sam Stosur, who will become a five-time Olympian in Tokyo, believes the world No.1 is primed for another tilt at history after last week ending Australia’s 41year drought for a women’s champion at Wimbledon.
“We all know it was her dream to try and win (Wimbledon). Now she’s been able to tick that box and win something no Australian has done for many, many years,” Stosur said.
“No doubt that she’s going to be ready to compete.”