Monica Puig, the reigning Olympic gold medalist in women's singles tennis, said she will miss the Tokyo Games and the rest of the 2021 season after undergoing shoulder surgery.
Puig, 27, became the first athlete representing Puerto Rico to win Olympic gold when she defeated Angelique Kerber 6-4, 4-6, 6-1 in the women's singles final at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
"About a week ago I underwent my second shoulder surgery to repair my rotator cuff and biceps tendon and this does put me in a very difficult position and having to sit out of the Tokyo Olympics this year," Puig said on Instagram on Sunday.
"It is very difficult and it was with a very heavy heart I took this decision. Obviously, my team and I are thinking long term and prolonging my career for as many years as possible and hoping to play in the Paris 2024 Olympics."
The world No. 168 last played at the 2020 French Open where she was knocked out in the first round.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.