Yet the first week in Miami has underlined a different sensation: the world No 1, Ashleigh Barty, is competing in her first overseas tournament since the pandemic began. As her foes competed at Roland Garros and empty stadiums across Europe, Barty could be seen with a beer in hand in AFL stadiums in support of Richmond. It took nearly 50 hours, with Barty flying from Brisbane to Sydney, Los Angeles and then Miami with two cancelled flights. These long weeks and months on the road have taken their toll on certain players. Six months of opportunity await across Europe and the United States but Barty is already putting herself in a position to take them.

Source: The Irish Times March 31, 2021 15:45 UTC