Denis Shapovalov pulls out of Tokyo Olympics due to Covid-19 fears

Denis Shapovalov

World number 12 Denis Shapovalov said Monday that he will not play tennis for Canada at the Tokyo Olympics, citing safety issues even as Covid-19 remains a global concern.

Shapovalov did not specify the deadly coronavirus in a tweet announcing his decision. "Hey everyone, after careful consideration I wanted to let you know that I will not be participating in the Olympics this year," Shapovalov said.

"Representing Canada means the world to me, but due to the current situation my team and I have decided this is the best decision for everyone's safety." Shapovalov, a 22-year-old left-hander, won his only ATP title in 2019 at Stockholm.

He was a runner-up at the 2019 Paris Masters and reached his third career ATP final -- his first on clay -- last month at Geneva, losing to Norway's Casper Ruud. The Canadian reached his first Grand Slam quarter-final at last year's US Open.

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