Big names missing in Olympics: Without fans, Kyrgios has no desire for Tokyo

Friday, July 9, 2021

Big names missing from Olympics
Without fans, Kyrgios has no desire for Tokyo

Without the fans, without me: Nick Kyrgios’ reaction to the news of the Olympic Games being in front of empty stands can be interpreted. An ailing professional tennis player is the next major player to retire.

Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has canceled his participation in the Olympic Games. The Australian said the spectator ban imposed on Thursday was a key factor in his decision. Recently, Kyrgios, who got injured during the Wimbledon tournament last week, had already expressed doubts. He wrote on social media, “The idea of ​​playing in front of empty stadiums doesn’t suit me. It never happens.” I don’t want to take the opportunity of a healthy Australian athlete who is ready to represent. country.”

Kyrgios is the next big name on the major cancellation list for the Tokyo tennis tournament. Spanish Grand Slam record champion Rafael Nadal had already announced his resignation after the French Open and was also absent from the Lawn Classic at Wimbledon. The 35-year-old justified this with a lack of time for regeneration and a plan not to risk his health in the medium and long term for short-term success. Nadal won the gold medal in Beijing in 2008.

Dominic Thiem, who won the US Open last year, is also missing from Tokyo. The Austrian is prioritizing preparation for his title defense in New York and recently announced that he is “not ready to show his best” at the Olympics. Denis Shapovalov from Canada doesn’t even travel to Japan. His words: “AConsidering the current situation, my team and I have decided that this is the best decision for the safety of all.”

Serena Williams, on the other hand, kept a low profile regarding the reasons for her exemption. “There are a few reasons for this decision, but I don’t want to go over that today. Maybe another day,” said the 39-year-old. Romanian Simona Halep, third in the world rankings ahead of Wimbledon, is missing due to injury, as is double Olympic champion and three Grand Slam winner Stan Wawrinka from Switzerland since 2008.

Wawrinka’s teammate at the time, Roger Federer, is still unsure of his debut in Tokyo. The 39-year-old reached the quarter-finals at Wimbledon, but failed there with a clear defeat and without winning a set. Angelique Kerber has already expressed her desire to compete as German women’s number one, but after eleven matches in the past three weeks, she also asked for some time to think about it. In 2016 he won a silver medal in singles in Rio de Janeiro.