Agency :
Coco Gauff has withdrawn from the Olympics after testing positive for coronavirus.
The 17-year-old American, who is ranked 25th in the world, had been set to represent the USA at the upcoming Games in Japan.
“I’m disappointed to share the news that I have tested positive for Covid and won’t be able to play in the Olympic Games in Tokyo,” Gauff wrote on social media on Sunday.
“It has always been a dream of mine to represent the USA at the Olympics, and I hope there will be many more chances for me to make this come true in the future.”
Gauff’s withdrawal further weakens the US line-up in the women’s tournament, with Serena Williams, Sofia Kenin and Madison Keys all having already opted out of playing. Jennifer Brady, Jessica Pegula and Alison Riske will now represent the USA in singles.
The Tokyo Games, pushed back by a year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, will begin on Friday.
The tennis event at the Tokyo Olympics has been hit by a series of high-profile withdrawals in recent days.
