Aryna Sabalenka Withdraws from Wimbledon Due to Shoulder Injury

World No.3 Aryna Sabalenka has decided to withdraw from Wimbledon because of a shoulder injury. The Grand Slam organizers announced this on Monday. Sabalenka will be replaced by lucky loser Erika Andreeva, who will face Emina Bektas in the first round.

Heartbroken to have to tell you all that I won’t be able to play The Championships this year. I tried everything to get myself ready but unfortunately my shoulder is not cooperating. This tournament means so much to me and I promise I’ll be back stronger than ever next year. ❤️

Sabalenka shared her disappointment on social media, explaining that despite her efforts, her shoulder was not ready for the tournament. She promised to come back stronger next year.

A week ago, Sabalenka had to withdraw from her Berlin quarterfinal match against Anna Kalinskaya due to the same shoulder issue. She revealed that her teres major muscle was injured and she was not fully fit. She could not serve without pain and decided to withdraw after a practice session at Wimbledon on Monday morning. This is the first time in her career that she has missed a Grand Slam due to injury. In her previous two appearances at the All England Club, she reached the semifinals.

Earlier in the day, No. 22 seed Ekaterina Alexandrova also withdrew from the competition due to illness. She was set to face Emma Raducanu, who will now play lucky loser Renata Zarazua instead.