The US Open might be the last Grand Slam left but today we’re taking a look at the recent withdrawals and favourites on the hard courts as tennis hits the Tokyo Olympics.
Roger Federer just announced his intention to withdraw from the Tokyo Olympics, much to the disappointment of Tennis fans across the world. In his announcement yesterday he said he suffered a setback with his knee injury during Wimbledon which caused him to not take part in Tokyo. He has begun rehabilitation and looks to make a return at the US Open. Federer doesn’t have a Gold medal in the Singles but does have a Doubles Gold from 2008 in Beijing with Stan Wawrinka.
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Federer joins Rafael Nadal who will also not be competing at Tokyo. Rafa announced his decision along with his withdrawal from the Championships saying he has to listen to his body if he wants to continue competing at the highest level.
Hi all, I have decided not to participate at 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
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) June 17, 2021
Serena Williams, who has had a tough year of tennis, will not be heading to Tokyo either. She made this decision before she got injured in the first round at Wimbledon.
Nick Kyrgios and Dominic Thiem also join Rafa and Roger in their decision to stay home. The Australian stated the lack of fans as his reason for withdrawing while the Austrian is still recovering from his wrist injury which kept him off the grass as well.
Fresh off his 6th Wimbledon, Novak Djokovic is yet to decide whether he wants to play at the Olympic games or not. After winning Wimbledon, the World Number One said, “That is not great news. I received that news two days ago and it is disappointing to hear, it is kind of 50-50 after what I heard in the last couple of days.” The lack of spectators seems to be playing a big role in his decision and also the fact he will not be permitted to take his entire team to Tokyo.
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We’ve taken a look at who is definitely not going, but now it’s time to see who is going and could be the ones to watch.
MEN’S SINGLES
1. Stefanos Tsitsipas
The young Greek will be looking for redemption after his shock first round exit at Wimbledon. The World Number 4 is definitely one of the favourites for gold and expect him to go deep at the games.
2. Andy Murray
Andy Murray will be heading to Tokyo to defend his gold. He made a comeback to tennis at the Championships this year and had a few moments of brilliance but eventually bowed out in the third round. With a lot of the men’s players not taking part Murray will be hoping he can capitalize on this open draw.
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3. Daniil Medvedev
The current World Number Two will be representing his nation for the first time at the Olympic Games. The Russian has had a disappointing few months but he will want to change that come July 24th.
WOMEN’S SINGLES
1. Ashleigh Barty
Ash Barty claimed the throne at the Championships and is now one of the clear favourites to do so in Tokyo. She has been playing some scintillating tennis throughout the year. The only question is, will she be able to carry forward her momentum from grass to hard courts.
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2. Naomi Osaka
Naomi Osaka has made a comeback to the sport just in time to represent Japan at the Olympic games. It is her first appearance since her controversial withdrawal at the at Roland Garros, but the World Number 2 is looking ready to spoil Barty’s party.
3. Aryna Sabalenka
World Number 3 Sabalenka will be representing Belarus at Tokyo this year. She has been playing some good tennis this year in both singles and doubles. She will be competing for both titles and is seen as a worthy contender for the two.
The tennis schedule of events is set to begin on the 24th of this month and we expect it to be highly competitive. Both men’s and women’s draws are without some of the favourites making the Olympic gold ripe for the taking.
Aarya Bhagwat