“It’s been an awesome week,” Barty said.
“I felt like,each match,I got better and better in most parts of my game. I was just excited to get some matches under my belt in some tough conditions,and I think it put us in good stead going to New York.”
While Barty’s preparation has been perfect,Nick Kyrgios’ has been anything but.
Kyrgios was just a few minutes away from his clash with Andy Murray in North Carolina,and with a full house on hand,when the tournament announced the Australian would not play due to a left knee injury.
The Australian star fronted the press soon after.
“I know that people were looking forward to it and most of the tickets were sold because of my name and Andy’s name but at the end of the day,I have to look after my body,” Kyrgios explained.
“I know not every player can be as exciting as me but at the end of the day,I need to look after my knee. I haven’t played much and that’s just the way it is.
“I chose not to play as much tennis during the pandemic and that’s it,I just need a bit more time. It’s not rare that some key players in certain moments want to look after their body and not push through for an extra bit of cash or an extra few points.
“I have to look after my knee to give myself the best shot to play well. I don’t want to just rock up and roll over. I want to give myself the best shot I can. I feel confident in my ability to go there and do well,I just need more time.”
Despite the injury,Kyrgios declared he would take part in the US Open,which begins on Tuesday week (AEST).
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“I’m playing the US Open,100 per cent. It’s not like I’m finishing my season or something. I just need more time to get right,” he said.
“Am I going to push through a 250 or am I going to get ready for a grand slam that I worked for my entire career to play at?
“As a kid,you want to play at the grand slams. I’m not going to potentially put that at risk for a 250 event.”
Kyrgios found the amount of attention his withdrawal drew bemusing.
“There was another player that pulled out but obviously he wasn’t selling any tickets. It’s been blown out of proportion,” he said.
“I’ve just pulled out of this week to get better for the US Open. It’s really not anything crazy. But when it’s a big name,it tends to be a big story.”
Kyrgios’ withdrawal completes a poor preparation ahead of the final grand slam of the year. The Australian has won just one match since Wimbledon and will now be without any further opportunity to build his confidence ahead of the first round in New York City.