French Open winner Ashleigh Barty and Johanna Konta out of Nottingham Open
The Nottingham Open has lost two of its biggest drawcards with newly crowned French Open champion Ashleigh Barty and Johanna Konta pulling of the event.
British No 1 Konta, who finished runner-up to Barty in last year’s final, was first to withdraw as she announced that she won’t be competing following her run to the semi-final at Roland Garros.
“Regretfully after speaking to my team, I have decided to take the difficult decision to withdraw from the Nature Valley Open in Nottingham,” she said.
“After the couple weeks I spent here in Paris, my body is pretty exhausted from all the matches I have played.
“Nottingham is one of my favourite events. The courts are wonderful so I’m disappointed not to be there this year, but I certainly look forward to seeing all the fantastic fans back there again next year.”
Just hours after winning her maiden Grand Slam, Barty confirmed she also won’t return this year.
“I am sorry to miss returning to Nottingham and the chance to defend my title. Nottingham is one of my favourite tournaments and a place that I hold fond memories of,” the Australian said.
“I want to thank Rebecca James and her team for their support and wish them the best of luck for the week ahead. I hope to be back and start my grass season here next year.”
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