World Number 2 Aryna Sabalenka pulls out of Indian Wells as she tests positive for COVID-19

Earlier on, it was world number 1 Novak Djokovic, the 2018 Champion Naomi Osaka, and the 23-times Grand Slam Champion Serena Williams who pulled out of the tournament.

The Indian Wells tournament suffers another blow, as Aryna Sabalenka returned a positive report for COVID-19, and will not take any further participation in the tournament. The Belarusian Tennis player, who is currently ranked number two in women’s single and number 2 in doubles, took it to her Instagram account, where she posted in a story, announced her withdrawal from the tournament.

“Unfortunately I’ve tested positive at Indian wells and won’t be able to compete. So far I’m looking ok but really sad not to be able to play this year,” Sabalenka posted on her Instagram story.

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During the Miami open, Sabalenka had openly admitted that she didn’t trust the vaccines and wanted to think twice before getting a shot. It’s not clear so far if she’s vaccinated yet or not. Earlier on, it was world number 1 Novak Djokovic, the 2018 Champion Naomi Osaka, and the 23-times Grand Slam Champion Serena Williams who pulled out of the tournament. This left the 23-year-old Belarusian as the only top seed at the tournament. Now her withdrawal will be a great blow both for the tournament and the fans.

Sabalenka won two tournaments this year, in Abu Dhabi and Madrid. Following which she reached her career-high rankings in singles. However, she was defeated in the semi-finals of the US open by the Canadian teenager Leylah Fernandez. Sabalenka did qualify for the season-ending WTA Finals earlier. This tournament is contested only between the top 8 singles players which will be held in Guadalajara, Mexico.