World No. Three-time Grand Slam winner Stan Wawrinka from Switzerland and 3 Simona Halep from Romania are the latest tennis stars to be forced to retire from the Tokyo Olympics due to injury.Halep claimed she wouldn't be able to recover from her calf injury in the time allowed, but Wawrinka had to have foot surgery. He would not be able compete in the games that begin July 23, after they were delayed for a year due the COVID-19 pandemic.In skipping the Olympics, Wawrinka and Halep join Serena Williams (23-time Grand Slam champion), Rafael Nadal (20-time major winner) and Dominic Thiem (US Open champion).Halep tweeted Monday, "Nothing gives me more pride than representing Romania. But unfortunately the recovery from my injury to my calf requires more time. I have made the decision not to participate in the Olympic Games this year."After suffering an injury in her second round match against Angelique Kerber, the 29-year old left a Rome clay-court event. She was forced to leave the French Open and Wimbledon.She said, "After the disappointment at missing the French Open, Wimbledon, and Wimbledon, it is extremely difficult to digest having to miss the Olympics, but I am determined that I will come back stronger."In 2012, Halep lost in the opening round at the London Olympics. He also skipped the Rio Games 2016 because of concerns about the Zika virus.Former world No. 3 Wawrinka (36), had an operation on his left leg earlier in the year. He has not played since being defeated by Lloyd Harris in March's opening round of Qatar Open.Wawrinka's team stated in a statement that he had undergone an additional procedure on his same foot. This will prevent him from competing at the Olympics.Wawrinka is currently ranked 30th and won a gold medal with Roger Federer in doubles at the 2008 Beijing Games.The statement said that "His team is extremely confident that they have now solved the issue" and that he will soon return to full health.He is disappointed that he was not able to participate in the Games and represent Switzerland at Tokyo. However, he is working hard to recover and get back on court as soon possible.
