It’s good to give back to your country’ – Former Wimbledon champion disagrees with Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka skipping the Olympics

A former Wimbledon champion has voiced strong opinions regarding the recent decisions by top players Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka to skip the 2024 Paris Olympics, emphasizing the importance of representing one’s country on the global stage. While Sinner and Sabalenka cited personal scheduling priorities and health concerns as reasons for withdrawing, the former champion believes that competing at the Olympics is a unique honor that transcends individual goals.

“It’s good to give back to your country,” the Grand Slam legend remarked during a recent interview. “As tennis players, we spend most of our careers playing for ourselves, but the Olympics is one of those rare moments where you’re not just an athlete — you’re a representative of your nation.”

The comments come amid growing debate in the tennis world about the packed calendar and the difficulty players face balancing Grand Slams, ATP/WTA tours, and now, Olympic commitments. Both Sinner and Sabalenka have been vocal about managing their physical load, prioritizing long-term health and major tournaments like the US Open, which closely follows the Olympics.

However, the former Wimbledon winner argued that the emotional and historical value of the Olympics cannot be measured by ranking points or prize money. “It’s more than just another event. It’s a chance to inspire your country, especially young athletes who look up to you. Tennis is an individual sport, but at the Olympics, you feel part of something bigger.”

The tennis icon acknowledged the demanding tour schedule but suggested that players should consider the significance of Olympic participation at least once in their careers. “I understand it’s a personal choice, but the pride of standing on the podium with your country’s flag is something you’ll cherish forever,” they added.

As the 2024 Paris Olympics draw closer, the absence of high-profile names like Sinner and Sabalenka has sparked broader discussions about the sport’s calendar congestion and player priorities. Yet, for many legends of the game, the Olympics remain an irreplaceable platform for national pride and global unity in sports.

The debate continues, but one thing is certain—representing one’s country on the Olympic stage is a moment that resonates far beyond the tennis court.