Former world number one tennis player and 2012 Olympic gold medallist, Victoria Azarenka on Thursday became the latest Grand Slam winner to withdraw from the Tokyo Games, citing “challenges from the pandemic.”
Azarenka, who won mixed doubles gold alongside Max Mirnyi in 2012, as well as a bronze in singles, joins Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, Dominic Thiem and Angelique Kerber in pulling out.
Read Also: Roger Federer Withdraws From Tokyo Olympics Citing Setback With Knee
The 31-year-old Belarusian on Twitter wrote;
I would like to inform everyone that I have made the very difficult decision to not play in the Tokyo Olympics. I have many amazing memories winning the gold while competing and representing Belarus in previous Games.
Read Also: COVID-19 Social Distancing: Olympics Winners Will Put Medals On Necks By Themselves
She added;
But with all the challenges we are facing as it relates to the pandemic, I know in my heart this is the right decision for myself and the team.
I look forward to returning to the 2024 Olympics in Paris to represent Belarus.
Read Also: Serena Williams Says She Will Not Play At Tokyo Olympics
— victoria azarenka (@vika7) July 15, 2021
Azarenka did not specify if a ban on family members entering Japan, which would have included her four-year-old son Leo, was a prime factor in her decision.
World number one and Wimbledon champion, Novak Djokovic last weekend put his chances of playing in Tokyo at “50/50”.
Read Also: Just In: Rafael Nadal Withdraws From Wimbledon, Olympics To ‘Recuperate’
The Olympics, already delayed by a year, get underway on July 23.
Via AFP.
