Iga Swiatek’s quest for an Olympic Games medal has been dealt a potential blow after prospective mixed doubles partner Hubert Hurkacz confirmed his Paris 2024 withdrawal.
ATP world No 7 Hurkacz was a doubt for Paris 2024 after suffering a knee injury at Wimbledon earlier this month.
The Polish No 1 sustained an injury while diving for a volley during his round two match against Arthur Fils, and retired just points later – after diving for another volley.
The former SW19 semi-finalist confirmed earlier this month he had undergone a “knee procedure” following the incident and was still aiming to play at the Olympics.
However, speaking on his Instagram Story on Monday, Hurkacz confirmed that he was withdrawing from action.
He said: “My rehabilitation is going very well, and I’m making continuous progress. However, my team and I have decided that I’m not able to compete at the Olympic Games in Paris.
“This was a very, very difficult decision because I have always dreamed of representing Poland at the Olympics, being able to win a medal for the national team, but unfortunately, my health does not allow it this year.
Of course, I will be watching and cheering for the entire Polish team and following their performance, wishing them as many medals as possible.
Swiatek and Hurkacz spearheaded Poland’s United Cup campaign at the beginning of 2024, combining well to anchor the country’s charge to the final – where they were beaten by Germany.
And the duo were considered strong gold medal contenders in the mixed doubles competition at the Olympic Games, with the pair likely to have been among the top seeds in the competition.
Hurkacz’s withdrawal means that Swiatek will likely have one less chance of taking home an Olympic medal.
The WTA world No 1 may still play with doubles specialist Jan Zielinski, but it is unknown how likely of a possibility that is.
However, Swiatek will still go in as a heavy favourite for gold in the women’s singles.
The Pole lost just one match on clay this season and has not lost at Roland Garros since 2021, winning the title the past three seasons – and four times across the last five years.
Swiatek will be the top seed in the women’s singles draw, followed by world No 2 Coco Gauff and world No 4 Elena Rybakina.
It will be a second Games for the Pole, who was beaten by Paula Badosa in the delayed Tokyo 2020 event three years ago.
