Everybody’s looking forward to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, as the games will give us all another chance to witness the best athletes on the planet pursue the greatest achievement in sports: the gold medal.
Sadly, though, as it usually happens in all major sports events, some of the best performers are forced to watch from the sidelines, either because they didn’t qualify, injuries, or scheduling conflicts.
That’s the case with number 3 tennis player Simona Halep, as the Romanian flagbearer recently announced that he’ll have to skip the festivities after suffering a calf injury in the Italian Open.
Tokyo 2020: Why Isn’t Halep Playing In The Olympics?
“Nothing brings me more pride than representing Romania. But sadly the recovery from my calf injury requires more time and I have made the decision to withdraw from the Olympic Games this summer. After the disappointment of missing the French Open and Wimbledon, having to skip the Olympics is incredibly tough to digest, but I am determined to come back stronger. I will be watching and cheering on the Romanian athletes from home.” Halep tweeted.
Back in 2019, Halep had already discussed how much he wanted to take part in the Olympic Games and represent Romania, so this is a huge shame not only for tennis fans but also for her:
“I want to win any medal in the Olympics to fulfill everything I have done in tennis,” she said back then. “It is a chance to play for my country and I have always loved to do that. The disappointment from (the 2019 Fed Cup)really hurt me so to play well to get a medal, it would be a dream.”
Dominic Thiem, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams – among others – will also miss the competition, so the podium will be wide-open for an underdog, it seems.