Coco Gauff will not be competing in the Olympics this year. On July 18, the tennis pro released a statement on Twitter revealing she won’t be part of Team USA after a recent COVID-19 diagnosis. “I am so disappointed to share the news that I have tested positive for COVID and won’t be able to play in the Olympic Games in Tokyo,” she wrote. Coco’s announcement comes as the Olympic Village begins dealing with its first positive COVID cases ahead of the upcoming athletic events.
At age 17, Coco was slated to be the youngest Olympic tennis player since 2000. Her statement continued, “It has always been a dream of mine to represent the USA at the Olympics, and I hope there will be many more chances for me to make this come true in the future.” She sent the “best of luck” to Team USA’s remaining tennis players, who include Nicole Melichar, Jennifer Brady, Jessica Pegula, Alison Riske, and Bethanie Mattek-Sands. Coco ended her remarks with her wish for a “safe games” for the entire Olympic family. See her full statement, ahead.
🙏🏾❤️🤍💙 pic.twitter.com/lT0LoEV3eO
— Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) July 18, 2021
