Elena Rybakina, the accomplished tennis player from Kazakhstan, has announced her withdrawal from the upcoming Paris Olympics due to a bout of acute bronchitis. This unfortunate development follows her impressive performance at Wimbledon.

Rybakina shared the news with a heartfelt message: “It is hard for me to tell you this, but unfortunately, I will not be able to take part in the Olympics in Paris. After the Wimbledon tournament, I fell ill with acute bronchitis, and despite attempts to return to training, my body has not yet recovered. Doctors forbade me to go out on the court.”

This announcement comes as a significant disappointment for Rybakina, who was determined to build on her near-podium finish in Tokyo. “I am very sorry that I will not be able to justify your hopes and compete for our team at the Olympics in Paris. I was so close to a medal in Tokyo and carefully prepared for the Paris Games to win gold for Kazakhstan,” she added.

Despite her inability to compete, Rybakina expressed her unwavering support for her fellow Kazakhstani athletes: “I wish all Kazakhstani athletes good luck and success in Paris. I will root for all our athletes and believe that they will be able to worthily represent our country at the Olympics. Alga, Kazakhstan!”

Rybakina’s absence will undoubtedly be felt, but her determination and support for her team underscore her sportsmanship and dedication to her country.

Elena Rybakina in 2024

At the moment ranked no.4, the Kazakhstani played her last match on the 11^th of July when she was overcome by world no.10 Barbora Krejcikova 3-6 6-3 6-4 in the semifinal in Wimbledon (draw).

Until now, during this year the Kazakhstani has a compiled 40-8 win-loss record. Elena clinched 3 titles in 2024 in Brisbane, Abu Dhabi and Stuttgart. Rybakina was the finalist in Doha and Miami.