World number one Ashleigh Barty reveals injury struggle ahead of Wimbledon

Newly-crowned world number one Ashleigh Barty has withdrawn from Eastbourne to ensure she is fit for Wimbledon after revealing she is struggling with a hand injury.

Barty is currently riding high on the WTA Tour after winning the French Open – her first Grand Slam crown – and backing that up by winning at Birmingham to ascend to the top of the world rankings.

She was scheduled to take part in Eastbourne too, but has opted to rest instead.

“It’s an injury I’ve had to manage since I was 16-years-old,” Barty explained.

“It happens when I have a spike in load, it’s just a bone stress injury and I need to look after it.

“We know how to manage it but it is important to get on top of it straight away.”

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