“I am not going to play in Paris because of the rules of the women’s tennis body regarding mandatory tournaments,” the Belarusian said. Once the Olympic event ends, tennis players will have only 48 hours to begin participating in the Masters 1000/WTA 1000 in Canada.
The Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka She is a reference on the women’s tennis circuit and everyone expected that, as No. 3 in the world, she would be fighting for a medal at the Paris Olympic Games.
However, nothing could be further from the truth: speaking to the media before her debut at the WTA Berlin 2024, the tennis player confirmed that she will not be part of the match in Paris, citing the harsh reality of the WTA calendar as the fundamental reason for her withdrawal.
Once the Olympic event ends, the tennis universe will have only 48 hours of rest to move from Europe to North America and change the surface to begin participating in the Masters 1000/WTA 1000 in Canada.
The Olympic Games will surely be harmed. For this reason, Sabalenka harshly criticized the global organizations of the tennis ecosystem, including the WTA itself, for the organization of the 2024 calendar.
“I am not going to play the Olympics because of the WTA rules regarding mandatory tournaments. I have to sacrifice something, and the first thing I have to sacrifice is the Games. At this point in my sports career, especially with all the problems that I have gone through in recent months, I have to take care of my health. It is quite complicated… I think it is too much, in terms of calendar… it is too much. I prefer to make this decision, which consists of taking care of my health.
BELARUS SABALENKA.jpg
Reuters
However, Sabalenka would not have been able to compete in Paris representing her nation. Any Russian or Belarusian athlete who wishes to participate in the Olympic event must do so under neutral flag– No flags or anthems will be displayed. Russia either Belarus for his active participation in the invasion of Ukraine. Regardless of whether this factor has also played a relevant role in the tennis player’s resignation from the Olympic event, it is surprising that the main casualties of the Parisian tournament so far (Sabalenka, Rublev and Khachanov) come from countries with these limitations.
The Belarusian starts as second seed in Berlin, where she will debut in just 48 hours; She will be seeking her first Wimbledon title in two weeks… and her schedule will not resume until August, where she will make her appearance in Canada, without stepping on the clay or making an appearance at the Games.
Source: Ambito
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