Gael Monfils Joins Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem, and Others in Tokyo Olympics 2021 Snub

With the Tokyo Olympics just a month away, many top tennis players have already withdrawn from the global multi-sporting event. The latest to join the bandwagon is French tennis player, Gael Monfils.

During a media interaction ahead of the 2021 Eastbourne International, Monfils declared he wouldn’t be taking part in the forthcoming Olympic Games.

Gael Monfils withdraws from 2021 Tokyo Olympics

Although, World No.16 mentioned he hasn’t completely decided yet, but as of now, he won’t be traveling to Tokyo next month. Known for his athleticism and his court coverage, Monfils withdrawal is an enormous setback for the French team.

“I have not yet decided at 100 %, but for the moment I’m not going to play the Tokyo Olympics,” declared the French player.

The former French Open semifinalist has competed in the Olympic Games twice in his career. He made his Olympic debut in 2008 where he lost to Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals.

In 2012, Monfils pulled out of the London Olympics Games because of a right knee injury. At the previous Olympics Games held in Rio, Monfils suffered a heart-breaking loss to bronze medalist Kei Nishikori, despite having three match-point chances in the deciding set.

Last week, the ten ATP titles holder lost in the opening round of the 2021 Halle Open. Seeded No.1 at the ongoing Eastbourne International, Monfils would hope to find his feet on grass before heading to the Wimbledon Championships.

Just a few days back, 20-time Grand Slam champion, Rafael Nadal, withdrew from the Tokyo Olympics. Citing physical exhaustion caused during the grueling two-month-long clay-court season, Nadal felt his body needed to recuperate.

In fact, the reigning US Open champion, Dominic Thiem, also joined the Spanish superstar as the 27-year-old plans to focus his energy on defending his title at Flushing Meadows.

As athletes are certain to face strict quarantine and testing protocols, many more withdrawals could follow suit in the coming weeks leading up to the Tokyo Olympics.

The post Gael Monfils Joins Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem, and Others in Tokyo Olympics 2021 Snub appeared first on EssentiallySports.