Simona Halep withdraws from Rio due to Zika concern
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Romania's Simona Halep, ranked No. 5 in the world, will not compete at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro due to concerns about the Zika virus, she announced on Facebook.
“The reason for my decision is the concern regarding the danger posed by the Zika virus,” was posted on Halep’s Facebook page. “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. 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.”
The 24-year-old competed at the 2012 Olympics in London but failed to make it out of the first round in singles and doubles competition. Most recently, she is coming off a quarterfinal loss to Angelique Kerber in Wimbledon.
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On Friday, Milos Raonic also announced his plans to skip the Olympics due to Zika. Viktoria Azarenka will not compete due to pregnancy.
