Carolina Marin to miss Tokyo Olympics after suffering ACL blow

Carolina Marin confirmed she will not defend her Olympic gold at this year's Tokyo edition after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury blow.

“I confirm that I have torn the ACL and both meniscus on my left knee. This is another blow I have to deal with, but I will certainly be back.

“The preparations during the last two months had become difficult beyond the team’s control, but we were excited and knew I would be in the best shape for the Olympics. It won’t be possible,” Marin said through her social media.

This was the second time it happened to the Spaniard, having ruptured her ACL at the 2019 Indonesian Masters final against Saina Nehwal.

But the world number four, known for her steely resilience and unwavering determination, returned stronger to win four titles this year.

She captured both the Thailand Open titles in January, and followed it up with the Swiss Open in March and European Championships last month.

Marin’s absence is set to make the women’s singles affair an engaging affair nonetheless in Tokyo.

There are at least seven contenders capable of winning gold, from world number one Tai Tzu-ying to upcoming Korean youngster An Se-young.

Tai, Japan’s Nozomi Okuhara, Thailand’s Ratchanok Intanon and India’s P.V. Sindhu are seen as the hot favourites to finish on the podium.

Marin beat Sindhu at the Rio Olympics to win gold.