PARIS, July 24 (Xinhua) -- World No. 1 Jannik Sinner announced on Wednesday his withdrawal from the Paris Olympics with tonsillitis, just three days before the tennis tournament begins.
The 22-year-old Italian posted on social media that he started not feeling well after a week of training. While he spent a couple of days to rest, his doctor suggested him to sit out the Paris Olympics.
"Missing the Games is a huge disappointment as it was one of my main goals for this season. I was looking forward to having the honor of representing my country at this very important event," he noted in Italian.
Sinner has claimed four singles titles this year, including his first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January. And after reaching the semifinals at the French Open, he became the first Italian tennis player to top the world rankings.
The withdrawal of the Italian makes way for world's No. 2 Novak Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam winner who is seeking his first Olympic title.
The tennis competition of Paris 2024 will take place at the iconic Stade Roland Garros, home of the French Open, from July 27 to August 4. This will be the first Olympic tennis competition played on clay since Barcelona 1992 and the first at a grand slam venue since London 2012.
