Jannik Sinner (illness) withdraws from Paris Olympics

An untimely case of tonsillitis has forced Jannik Sinner to withdraw from the Paris Olympics.

The Italian, who ranks No. 1 in the world, said in a statement Wednesday he was "saddened" that he won't be representing Italy.

Sinner said he began feeling sick on Monday and his medical team advised him to pull out.

"I am saddened to inform you that unfortunately I will not be able to participate in the Paris Olympic Games," Sinner said in a statement posted to social media and translated from Italian.

"After a good week of clay training I started to feel unwell. I spent a couple of days resting and during a visit the doctor found tonsillitis and strongly advised me against playing."

Sono amareggiato di informarvi che purtroppo non potrò partecipare ai Giochi Olimpici di Parigi.

Dopo una buona settimana di allenamento sulla terra ho cominciato a non sentirmi bene. Ho trascorso un paio di giorni a riposo ed in visita il medico ha riscontrato una tonsillite e... pic.twitter.com/Qrx8TJLoMA

— Jannik Sinner (@janniksin) July 24, 2024

He didn't play in last week's clay court tournament in Bastad, Sweden. He withdrew, citing fatigue and the need for rest.

"Missing the Games is a huge disappointment as it was one of my main goals for this season," said Sinner, who turns 23 in August. "I couldn't wait to have the honor of representing my country in this very important event. Good luck to all the Italian athletes who I will support from home."

He won his first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January and lost in the semifinals of the French Open to Carlos Alcaraz of Spain at Roland Garros, the venue forthe Olympic tennis competition.

--Field Level Media