"This was a very, very difficult decision," Hurkacz posted on Instagram. Last week, he underwent surgery, which led to some improvement, but not enough to compete in the Olympics, set to open on July 26.
"Rehabilitation is going well, and I am making progress. However, my team and I have decided that I am not fit to play in the Paris Olympics. This was a very hard decision because I dreamed of representing Poland and winning a medal, but unfortunately, my health does not allow it this year," Hurkacz explained.
The news is a blow not only to Hurkacz and his fans, but also to Iga Świątek and Jan Zieliński, who were set to partner with him in mixed doubles and doubles.
It is likely that Jan Zieliński will also miss the Paris Olympics due to Hurkacz's absence. Zieliński was scheduled to play doubles exclusively with Hurkacz and cannot replace him in mixed doubles with Świątek, as participation requires qualification in either singles or doubles.
As a result, Poland will have four tennis players at the Paris Olympics: Iga Świątek (singles), Magdalena Fręch (singles), Magda Linette (singles and doubles), and Alicja Rosolska (doubles).
(jh)
Source: IAR, PAP