World No. 3 and star Kazakhstan player, Elena Rybakina, on Friday, July 26 announced her withdrawal from the Paris Olympics. The Kazakh international, who was named in the initial draw for the Paris 2024, announced her decision to pull out of the tournament citing her recovery process.
The 25-year-old, who was set to face Romania’s Jaqueline Cristian in the first round of the women’s singles event, has been recovering from acute bronchitis which she contracted after the Wimbledon 2024. Taking to her Instagram handle, Rybakina wrote, “It is difficult for me to announce this, but unfortunately, I will not be able to participate in the Paris Olympics. After Wimbledon, I contracted acute bronchitis, and despite trying to return to training, my body has yet to recover. The doctors have strictly forbidden me from going to court.”
“I’m sorry that I cannot live up to your hopes and represent our national team at the Paris Olympics. I was so close to getting the medal in Tokyo and preparing carefully for the Paris Games to win gold for Kazakhstan. Unfortunately, the illness prevented these plans,” she continued.
Furthermore, her withdrawal in the women’s singles led France’s Caroline Garcia to move in the main draw as 17th seeded, whereas Australia’s Daria Saville enters the draws as an alternate. Moreover, the Kazakh’s withdrawal also states that she will not compete in the mixed doubles, where she was set to pair with Alexander Bublik.
Rybakina extends wishes to Kazak contingent for Paris 2024
The third seeded tennis star, in the withdrawal post, also extended wishes to the Kazakhstan athletes who are set to compete at the Summer Games. “I wish all Kazakhstani athletes good luck and success in Paris! I will root for all our athletes and believe that they can represent our country with dignity at the Olympics. Forward, Kazakhstan!!” she wrote.