Wimbledon runner-up Milos Raonic has joined the chorus of players pulling out of next month’s Rio Olympics over increasing fears about the Zika virus.
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Halep, who is now ranked fifth in the world, reached the final of the 2014 French Open, losing to eventual victor Maria Sharapova.
Canadian star Raonic, who was defeated by Andy Murray in last Sunday’s Wimbledon final, said he had taken the decision “with a heavy heart”.
“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”.
Earlier Friday, Spanish superstar Rafael Nadal was included on the tennis entry list after appealing to the ITF.
“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 said.
Each country is allowed a maximum of four singles players and two doubles teams for six players total on the men’s and women’s sides.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Zika virus is carried by mosquitoes. and can cause birth defects in children conceived by those infected with it.
He posted on Facebook: “I am very sorry to announce that I will not take part in this year’s Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro”.
Carlos Nuzman, head of the Rio organizing committee, says on Saturday the golfers “tried to blame Zika, but the media have shown that they are not coming because there’s no prize money”.
Numerous world’s top golfers – especially those starting families – have cited Zika as their reason for missing the Olympics. Sixteen mixed doubles teams will be determined in Rio from players already in the Olympics.
Berdych has represented the Czech Republic at the Olympic Games on three occasions in Athens in 2004, Beijing in 2008 and London in 2012 held at Wimbledon.
Ticket sales are down and a some athletes have decided against participating in the games, including golf world number one, Jason Day and a host of other top ranked golfers.
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Murray and America’s Serena Williams will begin as the defending men’s and women’s singles champions.
