July 22 (THEWILL) – Two top tennis players have withdrawn from the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris due to injuries. Czech Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova and Polish star Hubert Hurkacz both announced their decisions on Monday, in a blow to the Olympic tennis competition.

Vondrousova, who won silver in Tokyo, cited ongoing hand problems as the reason for her withdrawal. The 25-year-old had hoped to compete in doubles but ultimately decided her injury would not allow it. Hurkacz, 27, is still recovering from a knee injury he sustained at Wimbledon earlier this month and has said he is not fit to compete.

The Czech team has named replacements for Vondrousova. Katerina Siniakova will take her place in the singles, while Linda Noskova will partner Karolina Muchova in the doubles. Siniakova brings considerable experience, having won gold in doubles at the Tokyo Olympics.

These withdrawals join a growing list of notable absentees from the Olympic tennis event. World number three Aryna Sabalenka, Ons Jabeur, Emma Raducanu, Ben Shelton and Tokyo bronze medalist Pablo Carreno Busta will also not compete. In addition, Tokyo gold medalist Belinda Bencic will not defend her title after giving birth in April.

Both Vondrousova and Hurkacz expressed disappointment at missing the Games. Vondrousova had a remarkable run to the final in Tokyo as an unseeded player, while Hurkacz described representing Poland at the Olympics as a long-held dream. Their absence will undoubtedly affect the competitiveness of the Olympic tennis tournament.