Aryna Sabalenka, currently ranked third in the world, announced on Monday that she will not participate in the upcoming Paris Olympics. The decision comes as the two-time Grand Slam champion prioritizes her well-being and aims to concentrate on preparing for the hardcourt tournaments.
Despite her recent success at the Australian Open in January, where she emerged victorious, Sabalenka faced an unexpected defeat at the French Open this month.
The 26-year-old Belarusian was eliminated in the quarter-finals by the rising star Mirra Andreeva, a 17-year-old Russian player.
"Especially with all the struggles I've been struggling with the last months, I feel I have to take care of my health," Sabalenka was quoted as saying by Reuters at the Berlin Ladies Open.
"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."
Sabalenka's upcoming match will be against Daria Kasatkina from Russia in the round of 16 at the Berlin tournament.
