Spain's Feliciano Lopez to skip Rio 2016

12 May 2016 11:23

Spain's Feliciano Lopez has announced he will not compete at the Rio Olympics.

The world number 23 is the fourth-ranked Spaniard and would have qualified for his third Games.

Lopez cited the demands of the calendar, with the Olympics coming in the middle of the North American hard-court season leading up to the US Open, for his decision.

The 34-year-old wrote on his Facebook page: "I want to communicate my resignation to participate in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games based on the calendar, and with the aim of having the best possible tournaments this summer and especially in the US.

"I have always felt a special pride in representing Spain in all competitions and this has therefore been a very difficult decision.

"I was fortunate to participate in Athens 2004 and London 2012, where I and David Ferrer were very close to a medal in doubles.

"Both Games gave me the opportunity to live an unforgettable experience as an athlete. I now hope other colleagues who perhaps have not had the opportunity to represent Spain in Olympic Games can enjoy the same. I wish them all luck in Rio."

Fifty-six men and women will qualify for the singles at the Olympics based on the rankings on June 6, with no more than four from any one country.

Spain has 10 players in the top 60, with 43rd-ranked Pablo Carreno Busta currently in pole position to replace Lopez.

Tennis suffered badly from withdrawals when it was first restored to the Games programme in 1988 but the Olympic tournament is now seen as one of the most prestigious on the calendar.

Source: PA