“They are doing what is right for them,” Former World No. 2 backs Emma Raducanu and Aryna Sabalenka’s decision to opt out of Paris Olympics

Agnieszka Radwanska believes that the tight tournament schedules are taking a toll on players.

“They are doing what is right for them,” Former World No. 2 backs Emma Raducanu and Aryna Sabalenka’s decision to opt out of Paris Olympics

Agnieszka Radwanska (inset), Emma Raducanu (L) and Aryna Sabalenka (via Imago)

Emma Raducanu and Aryna Sabalenka are two of the biggest stars who have opted against taking part in the 2024 Paris Olympics. While many were not happy with their decision, former WTA World No. 2 Agnieszka Radwanska has stated that they were within their rights to pull out of the Summer Games.

Raducanu faced recurring wrist injury concerns during her campaign at the Wimbledon Championships, due to which she had to disappoint fans by withdrawing from the mixed doubles with Andy Murray. Sabalenka, meanwhile, has had a tough year since the Australian Open. She endured a back injury, fought illness, and also had to deal with the loss of her boyfriend.

While Emma Raducanu and Sabalenka faced backlash from some members of the tennis fraternity for their decision to not take part in the Olympics, Radwanska stated that they were justified in making that decision. 

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You can never tell how the girls are feeling and they will have their reasons for not playing at the Olympics. The tennis schedule is so tight. You have tournaments pretty much every other week and you prepare for that. You also have to listen to your body about what is right for you.
Agnieszka Radwanska said (via Tennis365)

The former Polish player also said that players know about their physical and mental fitness more than anyone else and are best placed to make any decision on their tournament participation. 

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Many Russian and Belarusian tennis players have declined the offer to compete under a neutral flag at Paris Olympics

Tennis players and other athletes from Russia and Belarus are suffering due to their nationalities thanks to their countries’ political tensions with Ukraine. Many events have been denying entry to Russian and Belarusian players. 

Andrey Rublev and Karen Khachanov
Andrey Rublev and Karen Khachanov (Image via Imago)

While the Paris Olympics has allowed Russian and Belarusian athletes to take part in various events, they will not be representing their countries at the quadrennial event. Eligible athletes have been sent invitations by the Olympic Committee to participate individually under a neutral banner instead. 

However, as many as 12 tennis players, including Andrey Rublev, Karen Khachanov, Daria Kasatkina, and Victoria Azarenka have declined their invitations. Aryna Sabalenka has also pulled out of the event, though she cited fitness issues as the official reason for her decision.

On the other hand, Daniil Medvedev and WTA World No. 28 Ekaterina Alexandrova are among the 31 athletes who accepted the invitation to compete under a neutral flag in the French capital.

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