Paris Olympics ‘Too Much’ of a Burden for Aryna Sabalenka as She Joins Emma Raducanu and Paula Badosa in Serious Move

Excess of anything leads to undesirable results. The Calendar year moves forward and fans gear up for a re-do of the French Open at the Paris Olympics, post the Grass Swing. However, much to their disappointment, it might be a lack of luster show at the City of Love due to another withdrawal. Recently, the current World No.3, Aryna Sabalenka, has announced her step away from the upcoming Paris Olympics.

In a recent update, journalist Jonathan Crane shared Sabalenka’s announcement in Berlin with tennis fans on X. The World No.3’s decision comes in the backdrop of extensive scheduling. With the commencement of Grass Swing, which would then proceed back to Paris, the player has opted to prioritize her health over giving a shot for Olympic glory. Crane tweeted Sabalenka’s worried words:

Moreover, in addition to the tight schedule for matches, there was another concern that contributed to this decision. Consistent change of surface. The French Open has just winded up and players are on their way to claim the Grass Slam. However, post that they would be moving back to Clay Court again! She further elaborated her stance, “It’s too much of changing the surface…”

Prioritizing self-care and a strong hard-court season, the reigning Australian Open champion informed reporters at the ecotrans Ladies Open, “I prefer to have a little rest to make sure physically and health-wise I’m ready for the hard courts, and I’ll have a good preparation before going to the hard court season. I feel that this is safer and better for my body.”

Much to the dismay of the Paris Olympics, Sabalenka is not the only player who would be a no-show at the tournament. The Brit, Emma Raducanu, and the Spaniard Paula Badosa have also announced their decision to step back. They put an unanticipated halt to their Olympic dreams and tennis fans’ expectations.

Raducanu doesn’t want to put extra stress on her body, as red dirt could be very demanding in addition to being an injury-prone surface. She further explains that the transition from Grass to Clay would be tough. Her decision isn’t surprising as the Brit opted for a “healthy block” as she skipped the French Open too.

Badosa, on the other hand, has also expressed similar concerns as she recovers from a back injury. However, she has opted to exercise her special ranking for the remaining Grand Slam of the current season. While some players chose to sit out of the quadrennial event, other big names are ready to fight for another chance at Olympic gold.

Men’s field to steal the spotlight at Paris Olympics?

Some of the women’s side players chose not to stand on the Clay Court. But time is of the essence as the gentlemen are already to shake the dust off at Paris. Rafael Nadal’s participation did shock many tennis fans after his first-round exit at the French Open. The Spaniard almost came out of retirement to surprise tennis fans. However, another pleasant shock came in the form of Andy Murray!

The Brit would be stepping on the red dirt to represent Britain for the 5th time at the Olympics! This couldn’t have been an easy decision after his hip surgery. As the Veterans take the court to leverage their experience, the youngsters, Carlos Alcaraz, and Jannik Sinner would be needing every drop of energy to snatch the baton from them.

Though tennis would miss Aryna Sabalenka, Paula Badosa, and Emma Raducanu, there were hopes of renewing the duopoly of Iga Swaitek and Sabalenka. However, one cannot discount the young American, Coco Gauff too short. The energetic 20-year-old would want to improve her record against the World No 1.  

It would be fascinating to watch how the Olympics would pan out. Do you think more player might withdraw from Paris Olympics post Wimbledon?