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Coco Gauff will not compete in the Tokyo Olympics after testing positive for COVID-19, the American tennis star tweeted on Sunday.
Gauff, 17, was scheduled to play her first Olympics, becoming the youngest Olympic tennis player since 2000. Serena Williams having chosen not to play, she was arguably the biggest name in America’s talent pool for the tournament.
Gauff, who ranks 25th in the world, wrote:
“I am so disappointed to share the news that I have tested positive for COVID and will not be able to play at the Tokyo Olympics. It has always been a dream of mine to represent the United States at the Olympics, and I hope there will be a lot more chance for me to achieve this in the future. I wish TEAM USA good luck and safe games for every Olympian and the entire Olympic family. ”
The United States team consists of Jennifer Brady, Jessica Pegula, 15th and Alison Riske, 35th, in singles. Pegula, currently ranked 27th in the world, is the daughter of Buffalo Bills owners Terry and Kim Pegula. Nicole Melichar and Bethanie Mattek-Sands are discretionary doubles selections only.
There is a maximum of four places for each country based on the world ranking after Roland-Garros. Williams and Sofia Kenin qualified, but declined places. Venus Williams, the most decorated Olympic tennis player in history, did not qualify in singles.
Tokyo Olympics begin amid persistent pandemic
Athletes and members of the media arrive in Tokyo for the rescheduled Olympics, which are due to start on Friday. Safety protocols are in place to help slow and / or stop the spread of COVID-19 in a country that is largely unvaccinated.
Tokyo’s COVID-19 cases rose 55% on Friday from the previous week. This was the 27th consecutive day of week-over-week increase as the Delta variant takes hold worldwide. They were at their highest level for six months earlier in the week.
Athletes from various countries have already encountered obstacles when trying to enter Japan for the games. Some have isolated themselves as a result of contact tracing from thefts. And the Olympic Village experienced its first positive tests on Saturday, six days before the opening ceremony.
Gauff joins a growing list of stars who will be unable to participate in the games after testing positive. USA Basketball announced Thursday that goaltender Bradley Beal will not play after entering COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
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