British number one Johanna Konta contracted COVID-19, wasn’t able to train for more than two weeks and is thus forced to withdraw from the Tokyo Olympics because of lack of preparation.
On the eve of Wimbledon, the world No.38 Konta was informed that she had to isolate for ten days, as a member of her team had tested positive for coronavirus. This meant that she was ruled out of her home Grand Slam. As the Brit now reveals, during that isolation period she developed symptoms of COVID-19 and subsequently tested positive. For two and a half weeks she was recovering from the disease and was not able to train. Now her body is not ready for the demands of the Olympic Games.
Konta announced the unfortunate news on social media:
This is heart-breaking reality for me, as representing Team GB at the Olympic Games in Rio in 2016 is one of my most treasured memories from my career so far.
I’ll be doing my best to get myself back to full health and fitness and ready to be competing again soon. During the time, I’ll also be glued to my TV cheering on my fellow Team GB athletes competing in Tokyo and I hope you will all join me.
Another bad thing is that Konta’s withdrawal deprives Heather Watson of a doubles partner, as no other players from Great Britain are ranked highly enough to qualify. The British number two will be able to play only singles, unless she and Joe Salisbury make the cut for the mixed doubles.
Konta is the latest in the ever-growing list of WTA Olympic withdrawals that includes Serena Williams, Simona Halep, Sofia Kenin, and Bianca Andreescu. (photo: Jimmie48)
