Tokyo Olympics 2020: Carolina Marin pulls out due to knee injury

Carolina Marin is a former world number one and is currently ranked fourth in BWF singles. The Olympic gold-medalist has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament and a couple of menisci. She is set to undergo surgery and would not recover on time for Tokyo.

Spanish tennis star Carolina Marin would not be able to defend her Olympic gold in the Tokyo Olympics next month. She has suffered a knee injury and is set to undergo surgery, while she is unlikely to recover on time for the global event.

"After the examinations during the weekend and the medical consultation, I confirm that I have torn the ACL and both meniscus on my left knee. I will undergo surgery this week and start my recovery. I want to thank everyone for your support and messages during these days," she wrote on social media.

"This is another blow that I have to deal with, but I will certainly be back. The preparation during the last two months had become very difficult for reasons beyond the team's control, but we were excited and knew that I would be in the best shape for the Olympics. It won't be possible. I know that I am in safe hands, and I have a lot of people by my side," she added.

Marin's withdrawal somewhat makes the singles door open for all. The former world number one has been highly dominant of late, while currently ranked fourth in the BWF Singles Rankings, she has shown no signs of slowing down.

As a result, this makes Taiwan's Tai Tzu-Ying prime favourite. Also, Indian superstar PV Sindhu, who is currently ranked seventh, would fancy her chances now. However, she would have to grind through it, while former world number one, Saina Nehwal (ranked 19th), would also be in the contention.

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