Vondrousova, who won silver in Tokyo, cited ongoing hand problems as the reason for her withdrawal. The 25-year-old had hoped to participate in doubles but ultimately decided her injury would not allow it. The 27-year-old Hurkacz is still recovering from a knee injury sustained at Wimbledon earlier this month and stated he is not fit to compete.
The Czech team has named replacements for Vondrousova. Katerina Siniakova will take her spot in singles, while Linda Noskova will partner with Karolina Muchova in doubles. Siniakova brings significant experience, having won gold in doubles at the Tokyo Olympics.
These withdrawals add to a growing list of notable absentees from the Olympic tennis event. World number three Aryna Sabalenka, Ons Jabeur, Emma Raducanu, Ben Shelton, and Tokyo bronze medallist Pablo Carreno Busta will also not be participating. Additionally, Tokyo gold medallist Belinda Bencic will not defend her title after giving birth in April.
Both Vondrousova and Hurkacz expressed disappointment at missing the Games. Vondrousova had a remarkable run to the final in Tokyo as an unseeded player, while Hurkacz described representing Poland at the Olympics as a long-held dream. Their absences will undoubtedly impact the competitiveness of the Olympic tennis tournament.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
