The Ariake Tennis Park is ready to receive the best tennis players in the world, who will be looking for gold in Tokyo 2020. However, some of the biggest names in the white sport wonāt be playing at the Olympics, such as American legend Serena Williams. Here, check out why she wonāt be competing.
Williams, however, is not a stranger to Olympic glory. The 23-time Grand Slam champion also won gold in singles at the 2012 London Games. Also, with her sister Venus, she is a three-gold medalist in doubles (2000, 2008, and 2012).
As the 16th player in the world rankings, Williams was qualified to play in the Olympics with team USA. But she said she wasnāt going to the Games in Tokyo. Itās the second time in her career that sheās going to miss the Olympics, as she couldnāt compete in Athens 2004 due to an injury.
Why Serena Williams isnāt playing in Tokyo 2020?
Williams announced her decision to not play in the Olympics during her brief participation in Wimbledon 2021. In a press conference before her first round match at the Championships, the American player confirmed her absence.
āIām actually not on the Olympic list ā not that Iām aware of. If so, then I shouldnāt be on it,ā she said. āThereās a lot of reasons that I made my Olympic decision. I donāt feel like going into them today. Maybe another day. Sorry.ā, she added.
As her decision was made prior to Wimbledon, it didnāt have correlation with the injury she suffered in her first round match against Aliaksandra SasnĆ³vich. She had to retire with the score 3-3 in the first set after she slipped and bent her ankle.
