Vasek Pospisil joins Denis Shapovalov, Milos Raonic, and Bianca Andreescu, who have also decided to skip the Olympics.
In his announcement, the 31-year-old said: “Unfortunately I have decided not to take part in the Olympic Games in Tokyo this year.
“Several factors have played into this difficult decision which include an aggravated right shoulder that will need rest to prevent further injury,”
Furthermore, the 2020 Sofia Open finalist express it was not a decision taken lightly on the contrary.
“This was one of the hardest professional decisions I’ve ever had to make; playing for your country is the biggest honor in sport and going to the Olympics is every young child’s dream, as it was mine.
“I had to be honest with myself that I am both physically and mentally not able to make the trip. I will go back to home to rest, rehab, and spend time with family and hope to be ready for the hardcourt swing.”
Previously, the Canadian represented his country in London 2012 and Rio 2016, singles and doubles.
The Vernon native latest appearance on tour took place on Thursday, contesting the Hall of Fame Open tournament in Newport.
Playing doubles at the only ATP grass-court event in North America, alongside American player Austin Krajicek, the duo reached the quarter-finals, prevailing over Sem Verbeek and Hunter Reese 6-3, 7-6(12) in one hour and a half, moving to Sunday’s final via walkover.
On Wednesday, the Canadian lost in singles to Germany’s Peter Gojowczyk in straight sets 3-6, 3-6 after one hour and 16 minutes.
Following Pospisil’s withdrawal from the Olympic Games, Felix Auger-Aliassime, who would compete in doubles partnering with his fellow countryman, will now only contest in singles.
The schedule for the Tokyo Olympics runs from 23 July to 8 August.