Sabalenka and Jabeur Withdraw from Paris Olympics Due to Scheduling Demands and Injury

Tennis fans will be disappointed to hear that both Aryna Sabalenka (ranked No. 3) and Ons Jabeur (ranked No. 10) have withdrawn from the upcoming Paris Olympics tennis tournament.

World No. 3 Aryna Sabalenka has shaken up the upcoming Paris Olympics by announcing she will not participate in the tennis tournament.

The scheduling demands of the Games, played on clay between the grass season of Wimbledon and the hard-court US Open, proved to be a deciding factor for Sabalenka.

“It’s too much for the scheduling, especially with all the struggles I’ve been dealing with lately,” Sabalenka said, citing the need to prioritize her health after a challenging few months. 

The Olympic tennis event kicks off on July 27th at Roland-Garros, home of the French Open. This placement creates a demanding schedule for players, transitioning from grass back to clay courts just two weeks after Wimbledon and three weeks before the US Open.

Ons Jabeur also steps back from Olympics 2024

This news follows the withdrawal of Ons Jabeur, ranked No. 10 in the world. Jabeur, citing medical advice, announced on social media the risks involved in the quick surface change and the potential strain on her knee throughout the rest of the season. 

“Unfortunately, I will not be able to participate in the Olympics,” Jabeur stated. “I always love representing my country, but listening to my body and following medical guidance is crucial.”

Both Sabalenka and Jabeur are currently competing at the German Open in Berlin. Sabalenka, seeded second behind Coco Gauff, will be making her first appearance since a stomach illness hindered her performance in the French Open quarterfinals. Jabeur will face Wang Xinyu in her opening match.

While some athletes from Russia and Belarus have been permitted to compete at the Olympics as neutral athletes due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, Sabalenka’s decision wasn’t driven by this factor. 

“You have to make sacrifices,” she explained. “Taking a break to ensure I’m physically and mentally prepared for the hard-court season is the safer option for my body.”

Sabalenka’s absence and Jabeur’s injury withdrawal leave the Olympic tennis tournament landscape slightly altered. The upcoming weeks will be crucial as players navigate the demanding schedule and vie for Olympic glory.