Jannik Sinner and Elena Rybakina were among the notable players to travel to the French capital for the 2024 Paris Olympics, which will begin with the opening ceremony on Friday, July 26
Unfortunately, both have announced their withdrawal from the tournament. Their absence will undoubtedly impact the competition, but such decisions are made after careful consideration.
They are not the only ones, as injuries have sidelined several other players. Here, we examine the five most notable withdrawals from the Paris Olympics.
1.Jannik Sinner
The World No. 1 is poised to be the most significant absentee from the Paris Olympics, having withdrawn from the sporting event at the last minute.
The reigning Australian Open champion, who ascended to the pinnacle of the sport earlier this year, was considered one of the favorites for the gold medal. Unfortunately, he has been compelled to withdraw due to a diagnosis of tonsillitis. He shared this disappointing news in a statement on Wednesday.
“I’m extremely sad and disappointed. Competing at the Olympic Games was one of my main goals for this season,” Jannik Sinner said in a statement. “I was really looking forward to being back at Roland Garros and playing for my country in this prestigious event.”
2. Elena Rybakina
Elena Rybakina is another prominent player who has withdrawn from the Paris Olympics. Her decision came after the announcement of the women’s singles draw, but she has not yet provided a statement or an explanation for her withdrawal.
3. Marketa Vondrousova
Marketa Vondrousova, the silver medalist from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, has also had to withdraw from the tournament in Paris.
The Czech revealed that she was dealing with a hand injury and had initially hoped to compete in the doubles event. Unfortunately, her latest assessment has ruled her out of all competition.
“I was hoping until the last moment that I could go at least in doubles, but problems with my hand won’t let me on the court,” Marketa Vondrousova said in a statement.
4. Holger Rune
Holger Rune, meanwhile, revealed that he had to get a doctor’s consultation after having experienced wrist pain in the wrist for the past few months.
The Dane announced that he has chosen to withdraw from the Olympics following medical advice but assured that he will be cheering for Team Denmark throughout the event.
“I am really sorry that I will be unable to play the Olympics. It’s something I’ve been looking forward to playing and being a part of,” Holger Rune wrote on X. “I have played with pain in my wrist throughout both the clay and grass seasons, so I have to take the medical recommendations seriously.
“I will follow the Olympics from home and cheer on all the Danish athletes, and I hope and believe that we can bring home many medals from Paris. Come on Denmark,” he added.
5. Hubert Hurkacz
Hubert Hurkacz also gave an unfortunate update on his health, revealing that the knee injury that he sustained at this year’s Wimbledon is likely to take much longer to heal
6. Rafael Nadal
Lastly, Rafael Nadal’s participation in the singles event remains uncertain. Although he is confirmed to play in the doubles with Carlos Alcaraz, recent physical setbacks and injuries have cast doubt on his singles campaign.
Nadal has been dealing with leg discomfort, and his coach, Carlos Moya, has indicated that the decision about his singles involvement will be made closer to the event. Nadal’s potential withdrawal could impact the competition significantly, given his status as a two-time Olympic gold medalist.