Champion Marin doubtful for Tokyo Olympics

Reigning Olympic champion shuttler Carolina Marin on Friday suffered a freak knee injury during training, leaving her doubtful for the Tokyo Games, which starts on July 23.

According to Spanish daily Marca, the Rio 2016 Olympic women's singles champion felt knee discomfort during training.

The doctors conducted a number of tests on Marin, after which they came to the conclusion that the champion shuttler suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury on her left knee.

Marin sounded positive after the setback and said in a statement on social media that she is "in the best hands".

"Today I suffered some discomfort during training that caused me to stop training," she said in a statement.

"After the first tests (we had) done, the doctors have realised that it is the anterior cruciate ligament of the left knee that is affected.

"Soon I will be able to give you more information. I am in the best hands, always. Whatever happens, #PuedoPorquePiensoQuePuedo (#ICanBecauseIThinkICan)."

Marin had earlier suffered an ACL injury on her right knee in January 2019, which kept her out of the courts until September of that year.

She has played in five tournaments so far this year, reaching the finals in five of them and winning four.