Carlos Nuzman, the head of the organizing committee for the Rio Olympics, has tipped the lack of prize money as the main reason behind the withdrawal of the world’s top four golfers from the games and not because of increasing fear of Zika virus.
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The Spaniard, who has been out of action since pulling out of the French Open following his second-round match with a wrist injury, won his appeal to compete in the Games and was named in the final list of participants issued by the ITF on Friday.
Czech Republic’s Berdych, who fell to Andy Murray in the recent Wimbledon semi-finals, says his family is his “utmost priority” and will not compete in Rio.
Raonic, who would have represented Canada, and Halep, who would have played for Romania, are the first tennis players to make themselves unavailable for the event.
Per BBC Sport, he joins fellow tennis players Milos Raonic and Simona Halep in withdrawing from the Games.
Another top 10 tennis player has withdrawn from the Rio de Janeiro Olympics over concerns about the Zika virus.
“I share the concerns about the possible effects of catching the Zika virus”, she said.
“Our goal is that these representatives recommend to their athletes, coaches and tourists to attend the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro”, said Health Minister Ricardo Barros.
“Family is much too important for me and I can’t risk not being able to have one of my own after my career in tennis is over”, she added.
Rio has also seen a number of other high-profile athletes pull out, with many citing the same reason. IOC President Thomas Bach has said that golf’s future may rest on its ability to get top players to show up.
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“I wish the Czech team a big success and I hope that I will soon be honoured to defend the Czech national colours again”.
