Victoria Azarenka is the latest big name to withdraw ahead of the Tokyo Olympic Games which are set to begin next week in Japan.
Azarenka joins Angelique Kerber who decided against playing earlier on Thursday with an eye on rest and the US hard court season like many.
For the 2012 mixed doubles gold medalist and former bronze medalist in the singles, it was with the pandemic in mind.
Before Wimbledon, the Belarusian had been teaming with Aryna Sabalenka as they looked to form a partnership in Tokyo in the doubles but that will now not be the case with the statement below.
"I have many amazing
memories winning the gold while competing and representing Belarus in previous
Games, but with all the challenges we are facing at it relates to the
pandemic, I know in my heart this is the right decision for myself and team," she wrote on an Instagram story. "I look forward to returning to the 2024 Olympic
in Paris to represent Belarus!"
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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