“After much deliberation with my family and coaches, I am making this decision for a variety of health concerns, including the uncertainty around the Zika virus”, he said, as quoted by Irish Examiner.
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The virus, which is spread by mosquitos, has a proven link to birth defect microcephaly, which causes babies to be born with small heads and under-developed brains.
Tomas Berdych is the latest casualty to withdraw from the Rio Olympics, which is taking place next month due to fears of the Zika virus. “The reason for my decision is the concern regarding the danger posed by the Zika virus”, Halep, a runner-up at the French Open in 2014, said on her Facebook page.
Berdych reached the semifinals of Wimbledon for the first time since he reached the final at the All England Club back in 2010 but he was soundly beaten in straight sets by the eventual champion Andy Murray.
On Twitter, he said “to limit health risks towards my dearest is the utmost priority”.
“After several talks with doctors and my family, I concluded that the risks are too high for my career and for my health, especially as a woman”. I would like to thank Tennis Canada and the Canadian Olympic Committee for their ongoing support. Dominic Thiem, John Isner, Nick Kyrgios, Bernard Tomic, Feliciano Lopez and Sam Querrey will all miss the world sporting event.
The event at the Games is scheduled to be held from August 6-14 at the Olympic Tennis Centre.
Reigning champions Andy Murray and Serena Williams will defend their Olympic titles, the ITF had already confirmed.World number one Novak Djokovic and 17-time major victor Roger Federer are also playing in Brazil.
Golf’s list of participants has also been decimated by a raft of withdrawals due to Zika with Jason Day, Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy among more than 20 male players to have decided against competing in Brazil.
Serena Williams, who earned her 22nd Grand Slam title at Wimbledon, will defend the singles and doubles titles she captured in London.
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Venus, who won Olympic singles gold in 2000, Madison Keys and Sloane Stephens will all compete in singles while Bethanie Mattek-Sands and CoCo Vandeweghe will form the second women’s doubles team for the US.
