Jannik Sinner: World No. 1 withdraws from 2024 Paris Olympic Games with tonsillitis - 'A huge disappointment'
By Matt Jones
Published 24/07/2024 at 17:42 GMT+1
Jannik Sinner will not take part in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games after being diagnosed with tonsillitis. The Italian was the top seed for the men's singles competition, and his withdrawal sees Novak Djokovic move into that slot for Thursday's draw. Paris 2024 would have been Sinner's first Olympics, and he was also due to compete in the doubles event alongside compatriot Lorenzo Musetti.
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World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has been forced to withdraw from the Olympic Games due to illness.
The Italian, who won his first major at the Australian Open earlier this year, will be absent from Paris after being diagnosed with tonsillitis.
Sinner was set to be the top seed for the men's singles competition, which is taking place at Roland Garros. The position will now be filled by world No. 2 Novak Djokovic.
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With the draw set to take place on Thursday, Sinner revealed that his health will prevent him from taking part.
"I am saddened to inform you that unfortunately I will not be able to participate in the Paris Olympic Games," he wrote on X.
"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."
Sinner would have been taking part in his first Olympics, having opted against going to Tokyo three years ago.
He leaves Wimbledon semi-finalist Lorenzo Musetti as the only other Italian man to be seeded in the singles tournament.
The pair were also the top seeds for the men's doubles tournament.
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"Missing the Games is a huge disappointment as it was one of my main goals for this season," Sinner added.
"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. Forza Italia."
The first round of tennis singles matches gets underway on Saturday, July 27.
Sixty-four players will line up in the singles draw, meaning they need to win four matches to reach the semi-finals.
From that point, one more victory will guarantee a medal, be it gold, silver or bronze.
Alexander Zverev is the defending men's champion, thanks to his win over Karen Khachanov in Tokyo in 2021.
discovery+ is the streaming home of the Olympic Games, and the only place you can watch every moment of Paris 2024 this summer.
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