Miami Gardens, Fla. World's top-ranked female tennis player Ashleigh Barty on Thursday withdrew from the Indian Wells and Miami Open, citing the need for ongoing reform after winning the Australian Open.
Indian Wells starts next week, and if she did play it would be Barty's first appearance since 2019. The Miami Open, where Barty is a two-time defending champion, begins March 21.
"Unfortunately, my body hasn't recovered as I expected after the Australian Open and I haven't been able to prepare enough for Indian Wells and Miami," Barty said. "I don't think I am at the level required to win these events and as a result I have decided to pull out of both the tournaments.
"I love these events and I'm sad I can't compete there but getting my body right should be my focus."
Barty's return means Indian Wells will be without both finalists from January's Australian Open. American Danielle Collins, the top-ranked woman in the women's rankings at No. 11, cited ongoing injuries in her decision not to play there.
Miami Open tournament director James Blake said he expects Barty to return soon.
"I know it was an extremely difficult decision for Ashley and understand the importance of players prioritizing their health," Blake said.
Barty ended a 44-year drought for Australian women at the Australian Open when she won the singles title at Melbourne Park in late January. It was her third Grand Slam singles title and her first on hard court, after victories on grass at Wimbledon and on clay at the French Open.