Coco Gauff Unable to Compete at Tokyo Olympics Due to COVID-19
The 17-year-old phenom won't be playing in the 2021 Olympics.
17-year-old rising tennis star Coco Gauff won’t compete at the upcoming Tokyo Olympics after testing positive for COVID-19. Gauff broke the news via a statement on Twitter last Sunday.
The statement reads:
“I am so 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. 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. I want to wish TEAM USA best of luck and a safe games for every Olympian and the entire Olympic family.”
Gauff would’ve been the youngest player since 16-year-old Mario Ancic debut in the 2000 Syndey Games to play in the Olympics. She currently ranks 25th in the world and was one of America’s biggest names in the competition.
Team USA consists of 15th-ranked Jennifer Brady, 27th-ranked Jessica Pegula, and 35th-ranked Alison Riske in singles. Serena Williams and Sofia Kenn qualified but both declined to play.
