Victoria Azarenka latest big name to withdraw from Tokyo Olympic Games

Victoria Azarenka is the latest big name to withdraw ahead of the Tokyo Olympic Games which are set to begin next week in Japan.

Azarenka joins Angelique Kerber who decided against playing earlier on Thursday with an eye on rest and the US hard court season like many.

For the 2012 mixed doubles gold medalist and former bronze medalist in the singles, it was with the pandemic in mind.

Before Wimbledon, the Belarusian had been teaming with Aryna Sabalenka as they looked to form a partnership in Tokyo in the doubles but that will now not be the case with the statement below.

"I have many amazing memories winning the gold while competing and representing Belarus in previous Games, but with all the challenges we are facing at it relates to the pandemic, I know in my heart this is the right decision for myself and team," she wrote on an Instagram story. "I look forward to returning to the 2024 Olympic in Paris to represent Belarus!"