Latest Paris 2024 tennis withdrawals throw tournament into chaos

Oli Dickson Jefford 28 Jul 2024 12:42 PM

Cameron Norrie has been forced out of the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Cameron Norrie and Anhelina Kalinina have become the latest players to pull out of Paris 2024 – leaving the tournament scrambling to find replacements.

Team GB confirmed on Sunday that former top-10 star Norrie, who was set to face Tallon Griekspoor, had been forced to withdraw due to a back injury.

While Ukrainian women’s singles star Kalinina, initially scheduled to come up against Arantxa Rus, has pulled out due to illness.

“Unfortunately, yesterday we spent a long time on the courts, waiting for the start of the competition,” she said. “It was raining all this time and this morning I felt a sore throat

“Of course, I was very upset, because it was a big dream and honour for me to play at the Olympics and represent my country, especially in such a difficult time. But we still decided not to take any risks to avoid complications.”

Norrie and Kalinina’s withdrawals are the latest in a string of players who have had to pull out of the competition.

The men’s event has been particularly affected, with Alex de Minaur withdrawing only this morning, with world No 1 Jannik Sinner, Andy Murray, Holger Rune, and Hubert Hurkacz already out.

But the women’s event has also been struck down, with third seed Elena Rybakina and Yulia Putintseva both unable to play.

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The sheer volume of withdrawals has turned an unwanted spotlight on the lack of available alternates at the event, with several double players having to be drafted in to play singles.

Petros Tsitsipas – best known for playing doubles alongside older brother Stefanos – will step in to replace Norrie, despite currently not having a singles ranking, and having a high of 727th.

De Minaur’s replacement Francisco Cabral will be playing a first singles match in two years, as did Matt Ebden – who also came into the draw as a late replacement.

The Australian was beaten 6-0, 6-1 by top seed Novak Djokovic in just 54 minutes, and afterwards, the Serbian called for a rule change to allow more alternates onto the site.

“I really don’t understand the rules, they’re really not logical for me. I don’t think it’s a good image for the sport, to be honest,” stated Djokovic.

“There were a lot of singles players that had plenty of time, that were alternates, that could have been called to come.

“I really hope the ITF (International Tennis Federation) along with the Olympics will consider changing this rule.”