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US Open champion Dominic Thiem partners Rafael Nadal in withdrawing from the Tokyo Olympics. The fifth rank holder Dominic said that he wanted to concentrate on Wimbledon and then defend his only Grand Slam title in New York. He tweeted, “I have some sad news to share with you all. After talking with my team and analysing the situation I have taken the very difficult decision to withdraw from competing in the Tokyo Olympics.”
He added, ” For me, like all athletes, taking part in the Olympics and representing my country is a huge honour and that makes this decision even tougher. However, 2021 did not start as expected and I don’t feel ready to play my best in Tokyo. My goal is to work hard in the coming weeks, give my best at Wimbledon and keep training and hopefully defend my US Open title.”
Dominic was knocked out of the French Open in the first round despite being a two-time runner-up in Paris. Before Dominic, Rafael Nadal had withdrawn from the Tokyo Olympics and Wimbledon to prolong his career. Thiem also missed the 2016 Rio Olympics due to fears over the Zika virus. Dominic said, “I am young and I hope to be able to play for Austria at the Olympics in Paris 2024.”