Jiri Lehecka He is the latest athlete to withdraw from the Paris Olympics.
The 22-year-old ranked 25th is suffering from a back injury and says his body will not allow him to compete.
“I never thought that I would qualify for the biggest tournament in the world. It has always been a dream for me to represent my country and it was clear that it was one of my main goals this season,” Lehecka wrote in X. “I did everything I could to get a chance to play, but my body is important and he is still not ready to compete at the highest level. Good luck to all the Czech athletes who will take part and I will cheer them on from home. I am sure they will make us proud.”
Today was the nomination deadline for the Olympics and unfortunately I won’t be a part of it. I’m sad that I won’t be able to participate in the Olympics in Paris next month.
Since I was a little boy watching the Olympics at home, I had fun playing with my grandfather, pic.twitter.com/ThTN4Nbtmp— Jiří Lehečka (@jirilehecka) June 19, 2024
Lehecka has not played since retiring in his semifinal against Felix Auger-Aliassime in Madrid due to a back injury. Lehecka is 17-9 this season – he won his first ATP title in January in Adelaide.
