Coco Gauff sends messaage to Aryna Sabalenka following Wimbledon latest

Coco Gauff has shared her disappointment over Aryna Sabalenka's withdrawal from Wimbledon , despite the fact that her path in the tournament now looks a bit easier .

Sabalenka, who is ranked third and has clinched the Australian Open title for the last two years, is also known for reaching the semi-finals at Wimbledon twice.

The 26-year-old had to bow out of the prestigious SW19 just hours before she was due to start her first match on Monday, citing a shoulder injury.

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Gauff, seeded second, finds herself with only two top-10 players left in her half of the draw.

Yet, the young American star showed her sportsmanship and humility by saying, "I mean, I wouldn't have probably played her till the semis. At that point it's just like this is the semifinals of a Grand Slam. No matter who you play, it's going to be a tough person to play," she remarked.

"But it is unfortunate that she had to pull out. She's always a contender in every slam and every surface. She's such a competitor. She's a nice person."

"I hate to see her not be able to play, especially it being such a last-minute type thing. I think she was healthy up until Berlin, at least that's my understanding. So hopefully she's able to get back ready."

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"I don't think she's playing Olympics, so she'll have some time to be ready for the hard court swing."

Sabalenka expressed her own heartache at having to withdraw, stating: "Heartbroken to have to tell you all that I won't be able to play the Championships this year."

"This tournament means so much to me and I promise I'll be back stronger than ever next year."

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