Canadian tennis star Denis Shapovalov won't compete at Tokyo Olympics

Denis Shapovalov says he won't compete for Canada at the Tokyo Olympics.

The 22-year-old from Richmond Hill, Ont., says in a Twitter post he made the decision for safety reasons ``due to the current situation.''

Opposition within Japan to holding the games has been high.

The country has been dealing with a high number of COVID-19 cases and a low vaccination rate.

Shapovalov is the top-ranked Canadian on the ATP Tour at No. 12. He withdrew from the French Open at the end of May, saying on social media that his shoulder had been bothering him and he needed to rest.

Earlier that month, Shapovalov made it to the final of the Geneva Open, losing to Norway's Casper Ruud in the title match.

Denis Shapovalov on Twitter:

Hey everyone, after careful consideration I wanted to let you know that I will not be participating in the Olympics this year. Representing Canada means the world to me, but due to the current situation my team and I have decided this is the best decision for everyone’s safety.