Zverev swerves tennis event
RIO DE JANEIRO: Alexander Zverev, the rising star of German tennis who beat Roger Federer in the Halle Open semi-finals in June, pulled out of the Olympics on Sunday due to fitness problems.
“During my last two ATP matches in Washington and Toronto, I did not feel 100 percent and after several consultations with doctors and my team, we have decided that I must withdraw from theOlympics,” the 19-year-old said on Instagram.
“I hope to be back in full form for the ATP Masters 1000 in Cincinnati and wish my German teammates all the best in Rio.”
Zverev, who lost the Halle final to compatriot Florian Mayer after beating 17-times Grand Slam champion Federer, is ranked 25th in the world and would have been seeded at the Olympics.
Meanwhile, Brazil have called on uncapped goalkeeper Weverton to replace Fernando Prass after the Palmeiras player was ruled out of the Olympics with an elbow injury, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said on Sunday.
“The coach of the Olympic team Rogerio Micale called up goalkeeper Weverton (Atletico Paranaense) to replace Fernando Prass, who was released after his right elbow injury was confirmed,” the CBF said in a statement.
Weverton, 28, will be one of the three over-age players in the under-23 squad and will join up with the squad immediately.
Brazil, who are in a group with South Africa, Iraq and Denmark, will be aiming to win the one senior international title that has so far evaded them.