Skip to main content

Milos Raonic withdraws from Rio Olympics, cites Zika concerns

Wimbledon finalist Milos Raonic has withdrawn from the Rio Olympics.
  • Author:
  • Publish date:

Your teams on the go or at home. Personalize SI with our new App. Install on iOS or Android.

Wimbledon finalist Milos Raonic has withdrawn from the Rio Olympics, he announced in a Facebook post Friday.

The Canadian tennis star cited health concerns, particularly the Zika virus, as reasons for his decision.

“It is with a heavy heart that I am announcing my withdrawal from participation in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games,” Raonic wrote. “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. This was a difficult, personal choice and I do not wish for it to impact the decision of any other athlete heading to the Games. I would like to thank Tennis Canada and the Canadian Olympic Committee for their ongoing support. I am very proud to have competed for Canada at the London 2012 Summer Olympics, and on the world stage at several Davis Cup events. I look forward to cheering on Team Canada this summer.”

Raonic, 25, currently ranked No. 7 in the world, lost to Andy Murray in straight sets in last Sunday’s Wimbledon final after defeating Roger Federer in the semifinal.

“We fully respect Milos’ decision as we are sure this is not one he made easily," Tennis Canada president and CEO Kelly Murumets said in a statement. "Milos represents Canada proudly week after week around the world and we look forward to future opportunities for him to join Team Canada again on the court.”