Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka and two-time Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur have decided not to participate in the upcoming Paris Olympics. Sabalenka, the 26-year-old Belarusian star, has chosen to focus on her health and the upcoming hardcourt season, following a recent defeat at the French Open and ongoing health struggles.
Ons Jabeur, ranked 10th in the world, has also opted out of the Olympics, prioritizing her physical well-being over the transition to the clay surface of the Olympic courts. After a successful clay-court season and with the US Open on the horizon, Jabeur is heeding her medical team’s advice to avoid the risk to her knee that could affect the rest of her season.
Both athletes have expressed a deep commitment to representing their countries but recognize the importance of listening to their bodies and ensuring their long-term health and performance in the sport. The Paris Olympics, set to run from July 26 to August 11, will miss the presence of these two formidable competitors.