No Olympics for a big name in world tennis, the official announcement arrives: disappointment for his fans
The countdown is about to begin. Ai Paris 2024 Olympic Games there is less and less time left, and for the big protagonists the moment of reckoning has arrived: those who want to participate or prefer to withdraw must decide now, so as not to put the organizers and their national team in excessive difficulty. It is therefore not surprising that on the eve of Wimbledon the one to withdraw from the Olympic appointment was one of the most anticipated stars, communicating her decision officially on the classic Media Day.
It is not the first time that a big name from the two world tennis circuits, ATP and WTA, decides to to give up the Olympic tournament. On the other hand, as fascinating as the Olympics are, they are a relatively important event in professional tennis. They bring few ranking points, little money, and generally do not have the tradition and allure of a Slam tournament.
Also for this reason, every year, the news of an important resignation arrives promptly. And if in Italy, at the Tokyo Olympics, the about-face of the current world number one was the cause of discussion, Jannik Sinnerthis time the most sensational U-turn comes from the world of women’s tennis: the one who officially withdrew from the Games was in fact the number three player in the WTA ranking, Aryna Sabalenka.
Sabalenka withdraws from Olympics: Belarusian player reveals reason
Coming from a period of considerable difficulty between Paris and the transition to grass, the reigning champion of the Australian Open had to withdraw from the WTA 500 in Berlin due to a physical problem. A non-serious but annoying injury, which could also affect his path at Wimbledon. Also for this reason he has decided to streamline your calendarthus giving up the Olympic tournament: “I made this decision because my calendar schedule, with the Olympics, would have been unsustainable.“.
To those who had maliciously suggested that her choice could also be influenced by the fact that at these Games Belarusian athletes, like Russians, will not be able to compete under their own flag due to the conflict in Ukraine, Sabalenka responded clearly: “The main reason is just physical. I’ve had several health problems lately, my body is struggling. I have to take care of myself, that’s why I decided to sacrifice the Olympics“.
This does not mean that there cannot be a welcome return for her in four years, in the next Los Angeles Olympic Gameswhen the Belarusian tennis player will be 30 years old and, in all probability, will still be in the prime of her career: “Not being able to play the Olympics is sad, but I can’t predict anything. I hope to be able to participate in the next ones.“.
