Aryna Sabalenka withdraws from Wimbledon, cites shoulder issue [Video]

July 1 (UPI) — Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka, the No. 3 women’s tennis player in the world, will not play at Wimbledon 2024 because of a right shoulder injury, she announced Monday on social media.

“Heartbroken to have to tell you all that I won’t be able to play the Championships this year,” Sabalenka wrote on Instagram and X. “I tried everything to get myself ready, but unfortunately my shoulder is not cooperating.

“I pushed myself to the limit in practice today to try my best, but my team explained that playing would only make things much worse. This tournament means so much to me and I promise I’ll be back stronger than ever next year.”

Sabalenka, the 2023 and 2024 Australian Open champion, advanced to the semifinals at Wimbledon in 2021 and 2023.

She was to face No. 107 Emina Bektas of the United States in the first round Monday at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet …