Emma Raducanu has turned down the opportunity to represent Great Britain at this summer’s Olympic Games in Paris.
The former US Open champion was offered one of two places reserved for Grand Slam winners by the International Tennis Federation (IFF).
Head of Great Britain’s Olympic tennis team Iain Bates confirmed her decision on Sunday.
He said: “I have had various conversations with Emma over the last couple of weeks and a slightly longer period where it’s very clear how much being part of a British team at an Olympics would mean to her.
“I think she feels this isn’t going to be the right timing for her for this summer.
“She’s hopefully got many Olympics ahead of her. I’m very comfortable with the decision that she’s made.”
The 21-year-old skipped the French Open in order to prioritise her grass-court season as she continues her comeback from wrist and ankle surgeries last summer.
She is into the last four of the Nottingham Open, where she will play fellow Briton Katie Boulter, and is expected to be handed a wildcard for Wimbledon later this month.
Three-time Grand Slam champion and former Olympic gold medallist Sir Andy Murray, meanwhile, has been named as one of the wildcards and will take part in his fifth summer games.
Jack Draper, Dan Evans and Cameron Norrie complete Team GB’s men’s singles line-up.
Women’s British number one Boulter will make her Olympic debut as GB’s only female tennis representative in Paris.
“We are thrilled with the team that we have been able to select for these Olympic Games in Paris, which promises to be one of the most exciting yet and we are really looking forward to heading over there,” Bates added.
“We are delighted to have four players in Jack, Cam, Dan and Katie all making their debut this year, joined by a decorated Olympian in Andy and a strong pairing of Joe and Neal playing their second Olympics.”
The Olympic tennis tournament will run from July 27 to August 4 at Roland Garros, the home of the French Open.
Team GB’s Olympic tennis team
Men’s Singles: Jack Draper, Cam Norrie, Dan Evans, Andy Murray
Women’s Singles: Katie Boulter
Men’s Doubles: Neal Skupski & Joe Salisbury.
(Photo by Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images)
