Tokyo Olympics: Denis Shapovalov becomes latest top star to pull out

Denis Shapovalov is a Canadian tennis player currently ranked 15th in ATP Singles. He has decided to pull out of the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, citing COVID fears, while he is the third men’s tennis star to pull out.

In yet another setback for the Tokyo Olympics regarding tennis, Canada’s Denis Shapovalov has become the latest star to pull out. The 14th ranked singles competitor has cited COVIDconverns as the reason for the same.

“Hey everyone, after careful consideration, I wanted to let you know that I will not be participating in the Olympics this year. Representing Canada means the world to me, but due to the current situation, my team and I have decided this is the best decision for everyone’s safety. I can’t wait to represent Canada at future Olympic games,” he wrote on Twitter while announcing his decision.

Shapovalov has become the third tennis player to withdraw from the prestigious global event, as he would join the likes of Spain’s Rafael Nadal and Austria’s Dominic Thiem. He is currently preparing for the upcoming Grand Slam, Wimbledon, as he recently took part in the Queen’s Club Championships, losing in the semis to Great Britain’s Cameron Norrie.

Earlier last month, he had withdrawn from the French Open, citing shoulder niggle. “I’m saddened to share that after consulting with my medical team, I’ve made the difficult decision to withdraw from @rolandgarros. Unfortunately, my shoulder has been bothering me and while medical tests look good, it is for the best to rest. See you in 2022, Roland-Garros,” he had tweeted back then.

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