Paris: Former World Olympic Gold Medalist and 2012 Victoria Azarenka on Thursday became the latest Grand Slam winner to withdraw from the Tokyo game, quoting “challenges from pandemic.” Azarenka, who won the mixed double gold with Max Mirnyi in 2012, as well as bronze in Single, joining Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, Dominic Thiem and Angelique Kerber in pulling out.
“I want to tell everyone that I have made a very difficult decision not to play at the Tokyo Olympics,” said Belarus 31 years on Twitter.
“I have many extraordinary memories that win gold while competing and represents Belarus in the previous match.” But with all the challenges we faced because it was related to a pandemic, I knew in my heart this was the right decision for myself and the team.
“I hope to return to the 2024 Olympics in Paris to represent Belarus.” Azarenka did not determine whether the ban on family members entered Japan, who would put her four-year-old son Leo, was the main factor in his decision.
World number one champion and Wimbledon Novak Djokovic last weekend put his chances of playing in Tokyo in “50/50”.
The Olympics, have been delayed a year, starting on July 23.