Tennis men’s world No1 Jannick Sinner has pulled out of the 2024 Olympics due to tonsillitis.
The 22-year-old was set to represent Italy at the Paris Games but has been advised to not compete, continuing a frustrating year hampered by illness and injury.
Sinner has not played since being knocked out in the Wimbledon quarter-final to Daniil Medvedev on July 9, after which he confirmed he was feeling unwell.
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But despite saying he had a positive week in the lead-up to the Games, which officially starts on Friday, he has now withdrawn.
A statement on X said: “After a good week of clay training, I started to feel unwell. I spent a couple of days resting, and during a visit, the doctor found tonsillitis and strongly advised me against playing.
“Missing the Games is a huge disappointment as it was one of my main goals for this season. I couldn’t wait to have the honor of representing my country in this very important event.
“Good luck to all the Italian athletes who I will support from home. Forza Italia.”
Sono amareggiato di informarvi che purtroppo non potrò partecipare ai Giochi Olimpici di Parigi.
Dopo una buona settimana di allenamento sulla terra ho cominciato a non sentirmi bene. Ho trascorso un paio di giorni a riposo ed in visita il medico ha riscontrato una tonsillite e… PIC.TWITTER.COM/QRX8TJLOMA
— Jannik Sinner (@janniksin) JULY 24, 2024
Sinner had been one of the favourites for Gold at Roland Garros, with his withdrawal prompting an update to the seedings.
Novak Djokovic is hunting for his first Olympic Gold to go alongside his 24 Grand Slam wins and goes in as top seed.
Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, who beat Djokovic in the Wimbledon final, is now second seed and could face the Serbian in the Gold or Bronze medal match.
