How does representing your country in the Olympics sound? Glorious and prestigious, right? Many athletes agree that it’s a dream-come-true moment. However, some exceptions, like Ons Jabeur and Ben Shelton, who are withdrawing from the games this season, are always there. Naturally, organizers are not happy, and neither is Jon Wertheim, a sports journalist. Reiterating the warning from the ITF, Wertheim explains the reasons and ways to prevent such withdrawals.

With Wimbledon concluded, the tennis world is ready to move on to the next big tournament, the Summer Olympics (starting July 26). However, even before the Games begin, the withdrawals of many top players like Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe, Aryna Sabalenka, Ons Jabeur, and many others have sparked a sense of worry among fans. Jon Wertheim, as he prepares for the upcoming Olympics, spoke his mind in a segment with the Tennis Channel. The 53-year-old explained the necessity of safeguarding the sanctity of the Olympic competition. 

Referring to how the International Tennis Federation has drawn a clear line with their humble request, he said, “The ITF came out with the entry list. And both through the ITF and also through Federations, players have been told gently—you made a commitment we expect you to withhold it. A number of players Ons Jabeur, and Ben Shelton, have already taken a pass. But the ITF has needed to clear if you have committed, you know, barring injury, of course, we expect to see you there.”

Wertheim went on to explain the policy of fulfilling the draws in the event and the lack of the chance of walkovers during the Games. He was straightforward, “You signed up for it. We expect to see you in Paris.” However, even then, it seems certain players have different priorities.

To Shelton, it is the tight schedule of the back-to-back tournaments that is hindering him from participating in the Games. Earlier this year, he stated, “I’ve thought about it a lot. At the moment, I can say that I’m quite inclined not to go this year, in case I qualify. I think they fit into the tennis schedule in a complicated way.” 

Ons Jabeur said, “I must listen to my body.” The Tunisian tennis star, who wants to prevent more knee injuries, is reluctant to make a transition from playing on grass to clay (Roland Garros) after Wimbledon. Hence her withdrawal. But then, the question of commitment to a sport peeks through the horizon.

According to Wertheim, the lack of penalties due to withdrawals might also be the reason for such occurrences. “I think this is more of an optics thing that, this is the Olympics. You made a commitment to your country. You have taken someone else’s spot and no last-minute pull-outs barring injury,” said Jon Wertheim sternly.

However, the debate continues, as one might question what is more important for players: prioritizing long-term fitness or fulfilling one’s current job commitment. For Aryna Sabalenka and Frances Tiafoe, the choice is pretty clear. Here’s how.

Aryna Sabalenka and Frances Tiafoe made their stance clear before the Olympics, joining Ben Shelton and Ons Jabeur

Aryna Sabalenka has been missing from Wimbledon owing to her troublesome shoulder injury. However, her streak of withdrawals will continue during the Olympics as well. “It’s too much for the scheduling and I made the decision to take care of my health. I prefer to have a little rest to make sure physically and health-wise I’m ready for the hard courts. I’ll have a good preparation before going to the hard-court season. I feel that this is safer and better for my body.” the Belarusian said ahead of Wimbledon.

We all wished that was the end of it, but sadly, it isn’t. Frances Tiafoe, who made his Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020, will not come back to represent the US this season. Tiafoe, who suffered from a right hip injury at the Queen’s Club, stated, “It’s insignificant to what I’m trying to do going through to the US Open. I love my country, but I think I gotta think about myself.”

Players like Madison Keys and Sebastian Korda have also joined the growing list of players withdrawing from the Games. Therefore, the statements of Jon Wertheim allude to the question, where is the end to this trend?