EUGENIE BOUCHARD has pulled out of Wimbledon due to the lack of world ranking points on offer in SW19.
In April, Wimbledon chiefs banned Russian and Belarussian players from competing at their event – which starts on Monday June 27 – following the ongoing war in Ukraine.
In response, the ATP and WTA Tours penalised the Championships and stripped away its ranking points, a decision that had been universally panned by those in the locker rooms.
It had been feared several top names might pull out in protest – so much so that All England Club bosses have decided to up the prize money to record levels.
Bouchard, who is more known these days for her modeling work than tennis performances, suffered a shoulder injury in March 2021 and then had surgery the following June.
The Canadian, 28, has fallen off the WTA rankings list due to inactivity but she had entry on the main draw list as the first alternate following the withdrawal of Egyptian Mayar Sherif.
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But now the 2014 Wimbledon finalist had chosen to focus on the North American swing of the calendar with a return to the US Open in late August.
In a Twitter post, Bouchard said: “A quick update on my end, I have decided to withdraw from Wimbledon due to the WTA’s decision to not award ranking points at this year’s Championships.
“Due to my shoulder surgery, I get a limited number of protected ranking (PR) entries.
“As much as I love Wimbledon and skipping it makes me sad, using a PR entry at a tournament with no ranking points doesn’t make sense.
“I must choose wisely and use my PR entries at tournaments that will help me get back to where I want to be.
“I am continuing my training/rehab and plan on returning to competition later this summer.
“I will now use my two grand slam PR entries for the US Open and the Australian Open.
“Thank you for all the amazing messages of support. I love you guys and can’t wait to see everyone again soon.”
Four-time major winner Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from Wimbledon citing a “leg injury”.
The Japanese player, 24, has struggled with a left Achilles flare-up which was sustained on clay at the Madrid Open.
The world No.43 was one of the first players to call Wimbledon an “exhibition” following the removal of its ranking points by the ATP and WTA Tours.
She will be replaced in the draw by American Bernarda Pera.
