Jannik Sinner Withdraws from Paris Olympics Due to Illness: Impact on Tennis Competition

World number one Jannik Sinner has regrettably withdrawn from the Paris Olympics due to a bout of tonsillitis. This setback comes after his recent struggle with illness during the Wimbledon quarter-final loss to Daniil Medvedev earlier in the month. Sinner, who was considered one of the favorites for the gold medal on the Paris clay, had an impressive track record, including reaching the French Open semi-finals and clinching his first major title at the Australian Open in January. In a statement, the 22-year-old expressed his disappointment, mentioning that participating in the Games was one of his main goals for this season.

Sinner was set to compete in both singles and doubles at Roland Garros, but his withdrawal has paved the way for Novak Djokovic to become the top seed in the singles event. Sinner’s absence adds to the list of notable players who will miss the Paris Games, either due to illness or injury, including Marketa Vondrousova, Hubert Hurkacz, Emma Raducanu, Aryna Sabalenka, and Ons Jabeur.

Despite the roster of absentees, the Olympic tennis competition is anticipated to be captivating, with top players like Novak Djokovic, Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz, and US Open winner Coco Gauff set to participate. The tournament is scheduled to take place from 27 July to 4 August, just 13 days after the conclusion of Wimbledon and finishing three weeks before the commencement of the US Open. Alongside Djokovic, promising British competitors like Andy Murray, Dan Evans, Jack Draper, Cameron Norrie, Katie Boulter, Heather Watson, Joe Salisbury, and Neal Skupski are gearing up to showcase their skills.

With Murray set to wrap up his playing career, he will compete for Great Britain in both singles and doubles events, partnering with Evans in doubles. Additionally, the mixed doubles category will feature collaborations between Watson and Salisbury, representing Great Britain.