Sabalenka Withdraws from Wimbledon Due to Shoulder Injury

Oluwasegun SanusiJuly 1, 20241 Mins read194

Aryna Sabalenka |Source: AFP

Australian Open champion and world number three Aryna Sabalenka has withdrawn from Wimbledon due to a shoulder injury, the tournament organisers announced on Monday in a surprising turn of events.

Sabalenka, a two-time semi-finalist at the All England Club, had been one of the favourites to win this year’s title.

Her withdrawal is a significant blow to the tournament, given her impressive performance in recent Grand Slams.

She is replaced in the draw by Russian lucky loser Erika Andreeva, who will now face American qualifier Emina Bektas in the first round.

Sabalenka’s recent form has been strong, as seen in her progress to the last 16 of the French Open.

She overcame a slow start to defeat close friend Paula Badosa 7-5, 6-1. Despite trailing 5-3 in the first set, the two-time Australian Open champion reeled off 10 of the final 11 games to advance to the second week of the French Open for the second consecutive year.

Recall that Sabalenka, a semi-finalist in Paris in 2023, had been expected to be Iga Swiatek’s chief rival in the Pole’s bid for a fourth French Open title.

Sabalenka’s consistent performances in Grand Slam tournaments, making at least the last four in her past six appearances, had positioned her as a formidable opponent on the women’s circuit.

Her absence from Wimbledon will undoubtedly impact the dynamics of the tournament.

Wimbledon, one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments, is held annually at the All England Club in London.

The tournament dates back to 1877 and is renowned for its grass courts and traditional British customs, including the consumption of strawberries and cream by spectators.