Ash Barty pulls out of Australian Open doubles draw, Serena Williams keeps singles tilt on track

Ash Barty has withdrawn from the women’s doubles at the Australian Open in what appears to be a precautionary measure as she looks to continue her singles campaign.

Meanwhile, seven-time champion Serena Williams and third seed Naomi Osaka both reached the fourth round of the women’s singles on Friday afternoon.

Tournament organisers announced on Friday that Barty and her doubles partner Jennifer Brady had pulled out of their second-round match against Elise Mertens and Aryna Sabalenka.

No reason for the withdrawal…