By Erik Gudris | @atntennis | Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Jannik Sinner and his Olympics dream, at least this year, ended abruptly as the World No. 1 announced he will not compete at the Summer Games in Paris due to illness.

The 22 year-old Italian and reigning Australian Open champion posted on social media that he would be unable to compete in Paris after being diagnosed with tonsillitis.

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“I am saddened to inform you that unfortunately I will not be able to participate in the Paris Olympic Games, Sinner posted on X/Twitter. After a good week of clay training I started to feel unwell. I spent a couple of days resting and during a visit the doctor found tonsillitis and strongly advised me against playing.”

Sono amareggiato di informarvi che purtroppo non potrò partecipare ai Giochi Olimpici di Parigi.

Dopo una buona settimana di allenamento sulla terra ho cominciato a non sentirmi bene. Ho trascorso un paio di giorni a riposo ed in visita il medico ha riscontrato una tonsillite e… pic.twitter.com/Qrx8TJLoMA

— Jannik Sinner (@janniksin) July 24, 2024

Sinner added, “Missing the Games is a huge disappointment as it was one of my main goals for this season. I couldn't wait to have the honor of representing my country in this very important event. Good luck to all the Italian athletes who I will support from home. Forza Italia.

Sinner’s announcement means he will no longer be the top seed in the men’s singles field.

That will now be Novak Djokovic with recent Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz now the No. 2 seed.

Sinner was also set to be the No. 1 men’s doubles seed along with recent Wimbledon semifinalist Lorenzo Musetti. With Sinner’s withdrawal from the Italian team, Andrea Vavassori will take his place while either Matteo Arnold or Luciano Darderi will now play doubles with Musetti.

#Paris2024 men’s doubles top 5 seeds 👀 #Olympics | #tennis pic.twitter.com/T7nQicR0Ad

— ITF (@ITFTennis) July 23, 2024

According to Opta Ace, it will be the first time since 2000 that a World No.1 in men’s singles will not compete at the Olympics since Pete Sampras.

2000 - The ATP World No. 1 (Jannik Sinner) won't take part to the Olympics in Men's Singles for the first time since 2000 in Sydney (Pete Sampras). Lack.@Paris2024 @atptour

— OptaAce (@OptaAce) July 24, 2024

Sinner’s last singles match was his five set loss in the Wimbledon quarterfinals to Daniil Medvedev. In that match, Sinner left the court midway through the third set with physical issues before returning to complete the match.

The Summer Games start on Friday July 26. The tennis competition begins on Saturday, July 27.

Photo Credit: Corleve/Mark Peterson