Elena Rybakina has announced her withdrawal from the Paris Olympics due to health issues. The 25-year-old Kazakh tennis star, who was set to compete in both the women’s singles and mixed doubles, revealed on Friday that she is battling acute bronchitis. Her doctors advised her against participating in the Games, leading to her sudden exit.
Rybakina’s name had appeared in the Olympics main draw just the day before, where she was scheduled to face Jaqueline Cristian in the singles first round. Additionally, she and Alexander Bublik were slated to compete against the American duo of Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz in the mixed doubles. However, rumors began circulating about her absence from the venue, and these were confirmed when it was announced she would not be competing.
To address speculation and provide clarity, Rybakina took to social media to explain her situation. In a heartfelt message on Instagram, she shared her disappointment and frustration. “Dear Kazakhstanis! It is hard for me to tell you this, but unfortunately, I will not be able to take part in the Olympics in Paris. After the Wimbledon tournament, I fell ill with acute bronchitis, and despite attempts to return to training, my body has not yet recovered. Doctors categorically forbade me to go out on the court,” Rybakina wrote.
She expressed her regret over missing the opportunity to compete and fulfill the hopes of her supporters. “I am very sorry that I will not be able to justify your hopes and compete for our team at the Olympics in Paris. I was so close to a medal in Tokyo and had carefully prepared for the Paris Games to win gold for Kazakhstan. Unfortunately, illness prevented these plans from coming true. I wish all Kazakhstani athletes good luck and success in Paris! I will root for all our athletes and believe that they will be able to worthily represent our country at the Olympics.”
The Kazakh Tennis Federation also released a statement confirming Rybakina’s withdrawal. They supported her claim, acknowledging her acute bronchitis and the medical advice against both traveling and competing. “The Kazakhstan Tennis Federation regrets to inform that Elena Rybakina will not be able to participate in the XXXIII Summer Olympic Games in Paris due to health reasons,” the federation said. “Elena suffers from acute bronchitis, and doctors have categorically forbidden her from traveling and playing. We wish her a speedy recovery and look forward to her return to the court.”
Rybakina’s absence is a notable loss, as she was a strong contender for the gold medal, following her impressive Olympic debut in Tokyo where she narrowly missed out on a medal. Her focus now shifts to recovering and preparing for future events, including the US Open, with potential impacts on upcoming WTA 1000 tournaments in Toronto and Cincinnati.
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