Tennis at the Paris Olympics begins on July 27th, with the event being held at Roland-Garros. Players only get the opportunity to win a medal once every four years, making it particularly prestigious. Many top players are set to feature, such as French Open champion Iga Swiatek and Australian Open winner Jannik Sinner. However, two big names in the women’s game have already confirmed they will not be participating. This article names those who have withdrawn and then lists their two replacements in the draw.
Two Top Women’s Players Withdraw From Paris Olympics
Which Players Have Withdrawn?
Aryna Sabalenka was the first player to withdraw from the Paris Olympics. The world No. 2 lost in the second round to Donna Vekic three years ago at the last iteration of the event, but she will not try and improve on that performance in Paris. Sabalenka cited protecting her body as the primary reason for her decision. She feels that playing on grass at Wimbledon, then clay in Paris before going onto hard courts for the North American swing would be too much of a physical strain.
Ons Jabeur was the second player to withdraw from the Paris Olympics. The Tunisian’s explanation is very similar to Sabalenka’s. After consulting her medical team, Jabeur felt that changing surface so often could harm the rest of her season. The three-time Grand Slam runner-up emphasized in her statement how much she loves representing Tunisia. But she felt it was a decision that had to be made.
Who Replaces Those Two Players In The Draw?
Moyuka Uchijima benefits from Sabalenka’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Olympics. The Japanese player is currently at a career-high ranking of No. 72 after an excellent season so far. Her efforts have now been rewarded with this opportunity to represent her country on such a big stage.
Petra Martic replaces Jabeur at the Paris Olympics. The Croatian is a good clay-court player, having won two WTA titles on the dirt. That means having the event at Roland-Garros could give her a better chance of having a good run. At 33-years-old, this may also be her last opportunity to compete at the Olympics. That should make her particularly motivated to succeed.
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
