Jiri Lehecka is the latest player to pull out of the Paris Olympics.
The 25th-ranked 22-year-old is struggling with a back injury and says his body will not allow him to compete.
“I would have never imagened that I would qualify for the biggest sporting event in the world. It has always been a dream for me to represent my country and it was clearly one of my main goals for this season,” Lehecka wrote on X. “I’ve done everything I can to have a chance to play, but my body is still not ready to compete at the highest level. I wish the best of luck to all Czech athletes who will participate and I will cheer for them from home. I’m sure they will make us proud.”
Today was the deadline for an Olympic games nomination and unfortunately I won’t be part of it. I’m very sad that I won’t be able to compete at the Olympics in Paris next month.
Since I was a little boy watching the Olympics from home, having fun playing with my grandfather, pic.twitter.com/ThTN4Nbtmp— Jiří Lehečka (@jirilehecka) June 19, 2024
Lehecka has not played since retiring from his semifinal with Felix Auger-Aliassime in Madrid with a back injury. Lehecka is 17-9 on the season – he won his maiden ATP title in January at Adelaide.