The 2020 Tokyo Olympics is just around the corner with nations gearing up for the anticipated event. While we will be lucky to see our favourite sportspersons competing in the event and fighting for the gold medal, there will be some who will not be participating in the event.
World No 1 Novak Djokovic recently confirmed his participation in the Tokyo Olympics and joined Japanese star Naomi Osaka among the big draws for the Games.
However, there are some who withdrew from this year’s Olympics. Here’s a look at the tennis players who will not be participating this year.
Women’s:
Serena Williams, Victoria Azarenka, Angelique Kerber, Simona Halep, Bianca Andreescu.
Men’s:
Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Stanislas Wawrinka, Dominic Thiem, Denis Shapovalov, Nick Kyrgios, David Goffin, Milos Raonic, Vasek Pospisil, Dan Evans, Alex de Minaur.
A detailed statement of some of the sportspersons.
“I’m actually not on the Olympic list, so… Not that I’m aware of. If so, then I shouldn’t be on it. There’s a lot of reasons that I made my Olympic decision. I don’t feel like going into them today. Maybe another day. Sorry. I have not thought about it (missing the Games). In the past it’s been a wonderful place for me. I really haven’t thought about it, so I’m going to keep not thinking about it.”
“During the grass court season, I unfortunately experienced a setback with my knee, and have accepted that I must withdraw from the Tokyo Olympic Games. I have already begun rehabilitation in the hopes of returning to the tour later this summer. I wish the entire Swiss team the best of luck and I will be rooting hard for the team from afar.”
“Hi all, I have decided not to participate in this year’s Championships at Wimbledon and the Olympic Games in Tokyo. It’s never an easy decision to take but after listening to my body and discuss it with my team I understand that it is the right decision. The goal is to prolong my career and continue to do what makes me happy, that is to compete at the highest level and keep fighting for those professional and personal goals at the maximum level of competition…I want to send a special message to my fans around the world, to those in the United Kingdom and Japan in particular.”
Dominic Thiem
“Hi everybody, I have some sad news to share with you all. After talking with my team and analysing the situation I have taken the very difficult decision to withdraw from competing in the Tokyo Olympics. For me, like all athletes, taking part in the Olympics and representing my country is a huge honour and that makes this decision even tougher. However, 2021 did not start as expected and I don’t feel ready to play my best in Tokyo.”
Nick Kyrgios
“The thought of playing in front of empty stadiums just doesn’t sit right with me. It never has. I wouldn’t want to take the opportunity away from a healthy Aussie athlete ready to represent the country. It’s been my dream to represent Australia at the Olympics and I know I may never get that opportunity again – but I also know myself.”
