Tennis star Gauff withdraws from Olympics after testing positive for COVID-19

American teen Coco Gauff will not compete in this year's Tokyo Olympics after contracting coronavirus, the 17-year-old said on Sunday.

Gauff was set to become the youngest tennis player since 2000.

"I'm disappointed to share the news that I have tested positive for COVID and won't be able to play in the Olympic Games in Tokyo," world number 25 Gauff, who was going to compete in both the singles and doubles competitions, said on Twitter.

"It has always been a dream of mine to represent the USA at the Olympics, and I hope there will be many more chances for me to make this come true in the future."

The Tokyo Games which was pushed by a year due to the coronavirus pandemic is set to begin on Friday.

Gauff's withdrawal comes just a day after Australian player Alex di Minaur tested positive for coronavirus prior to his departure for the Tokyo Olympic Games.