Barty practices forehand volleys with a cricket bat

World no.1 Ashleigh Barty tried her own variation of Roger Federer’s forehand volley challenge. Barty, who took a break from tennis to pursue a career in cricket, practiced her trademark forehand volley by hitting a golf ball against the wall with a cricket bat.

“Brick wall, golf ball, technique bat and forehand volleys. Sir Donald inspired,” she said in her tweet. “Happy Easter everyone! #stayhome”

Barty stepped away from tennis in 2014 and signed for Brisbane Heat in the WBBL a year later. She returned to tennis in 2016 and went on to win the French Open in 2019. Soon after, she won the Birmingham Classic to become the first Australian World no.1 in over three decades.

Barty was expected to defend her title at Roland Garros this year but the coronavirus pandemic has put a question mark over whether the clay court Grand Slam can be held this year. The French Open was earlier postponed to September 2020, making it the last Grand Slam of the year.

However a few weeks later, the Wimbledon was cancelled for the first time since the Second World War and the WTA and ATP tours continue to be under indefinite suspension. All England Club chief executive Richard Lewis later said that he doesn’t expect any tennis to be played this year.

Meanwhile, The WTA tournament in Montreal, scheduled for Aug.7-16, is in jeopardy after Quebec Province officials requested that all sporting and cultural events be cancelled through August 31.

The measure is aimed at slowing the spread of coronavirus.

“tennis Canada is currently evaluating the consequences of this announcement by discussing the various options with the WTA regarding the postponement of the Rogers Cup presented by National Bank event in Montreal,” tennis Canada said in a statement.

With lockdowns and stay-at-home orders in place around the globe, the WTA and ATP have already called off events through June 7.

French Open organizers postponed Roland Garros until September and Wimbledon was cancelled altogether.

“We understand the decision coming from the Government of Quebec who has to consider the health and safety of the Quebec population,” tournament director Eugene Lapierre said.

“Our priority in the management of this crisis has always been to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our players, fans, volunteers, partners and employees and therefore our decisions will reflect this. We hope that our discussions with the WTA will allow us to make an official announcement on the status of the Rogers Cup by (Saturday).”

Agencies