Johanna Konta out of Tokyo Olympics as Covid-19 symptoms disrupt training
‘This is a heart-breaking reality for me, as representing Team GB in 2016 is one of my most treasured memories’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Johanna Konta has withdrawn from the Tokyo Olympics due to the impact that coronavirus symptoms have had on her preparation for the Games.
The British No 1 was unable to compete at Wimbledon this summer after a member of her team tested positive for Covid-19, and Konta has since returned a positive test result for the disease, too, despite being in self-isolation.
The 30-year-old said she has been unable to train for the last “two-and-a-half weeks”, meaning she will not be at full fitness in time for the Olympics, which begin on 23 July.
“Unfortunately, whilst self-isolating, I developed symptoms [of Covid-19] and subsequently tested positive for the virus,” Konta wrote on Twitter.
“As a result, I have been unable to train for the last two and a half weeks and sadly, this has put my body in a situation where I am unable to be fully ready in time for the Olympic Games in Tokyo.
“This is a 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.”
Konta, who is of Hungarian descent and represented Australia until 2012, reached the quarter-finals in the women’s singles in Rio and exited in the first round of the mixed doubles while playing with Jamie Murray.
“I’ll do my best to get myself back to full health and fitness and ready to be competing again soon,” she continued.
“During this 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.”
Earlier on Tuesday, Roger Federer withdrew from the Olympics, citing a “setback” with his knee.
The former world No 1 underwent two knee surgeries last year and missed over a year of action as a result.
Federer reached the quarter-finals of Wimbledon last week, losing to Hubert Hurkacz in straight sets.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments