“Heartbroken that I won’t be able to play The Championships” – Aryna Sabalenka withdraws from 2024 Wimbledon due to injury

Sabalenka is yet to fully recover from a shoulder injury she picked up in Berlin.

“Heartbroken that I won’t be able to play The Championships” – Aryna Sabalenka withdraws from 2024 Wimbledon due to injury

Aryna Sabalenka (Via Imago)

Aryna Sabalenka has withdrawn from the 2024 Wimbledon Championships. The Belarusian, who was set to play her first match on Monday (July 1), pulled out citing a shoulder injury. 

Sabalenka had picked up the injury in Berlin during her quarterfinal match against Anna Kalinskaya. She was down 5-1 in the first set when she retired from the contest. The Australian Open champion had since complained about her shoulder and was unsure about her participation in the grass Major. Even during the pre-tournament press conference, she spoke about the strong possibility of missing the Slam. 

Sabalenka has not been at her physical best in recent weeks. She suffered from a stomach issue at the French Open, which played a role in her quarterfinal exit at the hands of Mirra Andreeva. She will be replaced by lucky loser Erika Andreeva in the draw and is set to face Emina Bektas in the first round.

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Heartbroken to have to tell you all that I won’t be able to play The Championships this year. I tried everything to get myself ready but unfortunately, my shoulder is not cooperating

Aryna Sabalenka said on her Instagram stories

Furthermore, she also revealed that despite practicing in the morning, her team suggested that she pull out of Wimbledon and give the shoulder a rest. The tournament meant a lot to her and has promised to return better next year.

Aryna Sabalenka joined by Ekaterina Alexandrova and others withdrawing by Wimbledon 2024

Aryna Sabalenka was not the only player to withdraw from Wimbledon. Ekaterina Alexandrova was set to take on a resurgent Emma Raducanu but was forced to pull out due to illness. 

Aryna Sabalenka
Aryna Sabalenka (Via Imago)

On the men’s side, a handful of players have already confirmed their withdrawal from the event. Elisabetta Cocciaretto (viral infection), Corentin Moutet (bone bruise), Dominik Koepfer (ankle injury), and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina will not be competing at SW19 this year.

Other than these players, the fans are very eager to hear about Andy Murray’s decision about his participation. He is expected to give his decision by the end of the day as he plays in the first round tomorrow.

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