Sabalenka skips Paris Olympics to focus on mental and physical health

World number three Aryna Sabalenka has decided not to participate in the Paris Olympics to focus on her health and prepare for the upcoming hardcourt tournaments.

The 26-year-old Belarusian, who won the Australian Open earlier this year, was recently eliminated by 17-year-old Russian Mirra Andreeva in the quarter-finals of the French Open.

Sabalenka explained her decision at the Berlin Ladies Open, stating, “Especially with all the struggles I’ve been struggling with the last months, I feel I have to take care of my health. 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.”

Aryna Sabalenka says she will not play the Olympics this year:

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“I’m not going to play Olympics because of all the rules from WTA with mandatory tournaments. I have to sacrifice something. Unfortunately I have to sacrifice Olympics. At this stage of my career and especially with… pic.twitter.com/LEE3eiIlYg

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) June 17, 2024

Sabalenka is scheduled to play against Russian Daria Kasatkina in the last 16 in Berlin. The Paris Olympics are set to take place from July 26 to August 11. Sabalenka’s decision highlights the importance she places on managing her health and performance in preparation for the demanding hardcourt season ahead.