Tokyo Olympics: Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Naomi Osaka listed among competitors by ITF
The Tokyo Olympics gets started on July 23 and would run until August 8. Meanwhile, tennis would be played, comprising top stars like Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Naomi Osaka and more. However, some have pulled out due to COVID safety and injury concerns.
FollowThe build-up to the Tokyo Olympics is gathering pace, as athletes from every sporting verticle are making their way in through their performance. Meanwhile, tennis happens to be one of the affected sports, as numerous top stars have pulled out, citing COVID safety concerns or injury.
Nonetheless, it would still have top stars, with 46 nations representing during the global event. Meanwhile, the International Tennis Federation announced the list of players who would enter the competition.
The list has been compiled based on the ATP and WTA rankings until June 14. Consequently, top-ranked Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Ashleigh Barty of Australia would headline the event.
"All players must be in good standing with their national association and have made themselves available to represent their country in the ITF's international team competitions; Davis Cup by Rakuten, Billie Jean King Cup by BNP Paribas and the BNP Paribas World Team Cup. The entry lists are still subject to change," a statement from the ITF read.
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Japan's Naomi Osaka would be the local favourite and would be in top contention for the gold. Meanwhile, Great Britain's Andy Murray would be defending his gold after earning an ITF spot with most medals and Slams outside the direct entry.
In the meantime, Switzerland's Roger Federer would also be fighting it out for his maiden singles gold in the event, while it would be the final Olympic appearance for the 39-year-old. Also, Djokovic would be eyeing the gold as he looks to try for the Golden Slam.
As of now, six top players have withdrawn from the event. While among men, Spain's Rafael Nadal and Austria's Dominic Thiem are the ones to withdraw citing stress and injury concers, respectively, Romania's Simona Halep would be missing out among women as she recovers from a calf injury, along with America's Serena Williams.
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