Barty apologises for not wearing a mask in Melbourne supermarket
Australian world No.1 Ashleigh Barty has apologised for not wearing a mask in a Melbourne supermarket.
Barty was spotted at a Coles on Thursday in Melbourne without the face covering, with rules in Victoria dictating masks must be worn at all times while shopping.
Ashleigh Barty has vowed to "be better" after being caught shopping without a mask. Credit:Mark Kolbe
“I accidentally forgot to wear a mask in a supermarket (on Thursday) in Melbourne,” Barty said in a statement.
“I apologised as soon as I realised my mistake.
“I understand we all need to do our bit to keep the community safe and I will be better next time.”
The 24-year-old re-located to Melbourne from Queensland last week in order to get ahead of any border closures that may have forced her to quarantine ahead of the Open.
She is one of many Australian players reaping the rewards of their home grand slam and training normally, while players from overseas endure 14-days of hotel quarantine.
The 2019 French Open winner and former cricketer will make her first appearance on court in almost a year when she plays at an Adelaide exhibition event next Friday.
She will step out at Memorial Drive with players including Serena Williams, Simona Halep, Naomi Osaka, Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
While many players chose to play in bio-secure bubbles for the French Open, US Open and other international tennis events during the pandemic in 2020, Barty opted to sit out competition and remain in Australia.
Barty made the semi-finals at the 2020 Australian Open, losing to eventual winner Sofia Kenin.
Anthony is a sports reporter at The Age.