🎾 In a surprising turn of events, World No.1 Jannik Sinner has bowed out of the Paris 2024 Olympics due to tonsillitis. The Italian tennis sensation announced his withdrawal on Wednesday, dealing a blow to Italy's hopes for their first tennis medal at the Games since 1924.
Sinner, who clinched his maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open earlier this year and dazzled fans by reaching the semifinals at Roland Garros, shared his disappointment on social media. \"I am saddened to inform you that unfortunately I will not be able to participate in the Paris Olympic Games,\" he wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter). \"After a good week of clay training I started to feel unwell. I spent a couple of days resting and during a visit the doctor found tonsillitis and strongly advised me against playing.\"
Not only was Sinner set to compete in the singles competition, but he was also gearing up for the men's doubles alongside Lorenzo Musetti. His absence means that 207th-ranked Andrea Vavassori will step in to join Musetti on the court.
\"Missing the Games is a huge disappointment as it was one of my main goals for this season,\" Sinner added. \"I couldn't wait to have the honour of representing my country in this very important event. Good luck to all the Italian athletes who I will support from home.\"
With Sinner out, the legendary Novak Djokovic, World No.2 and holder of 24 Grand Slam titles, will now take the top seed spot in the men's singles draw. 🏆
Sinner joins a growing list of tennis stars withdrawing from the Olympic competition. Olympic silver medalist Marketa Vondrousova from the Czech Republic and Poland's Hubert Hurkacz also pulled out earlier this week. Other notable absences include Aryna Sabalenka, Ons Jabeur, Emma Raducanu, and Ben Shelton.
The Olympic tennis tournament is set to serve up excitement from July 27 to August 4 at the iconic Roland Garros. Though some big names are missing, the stage is set for new talents to shine under the Parisian sun. ☀️🇫🇷
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World No. 1 Sinner withdraws from tennis at Paris 2024 due to illness
cgtn.com
