Tomas Berdych withdraws from Rio Olympics, cites Zika concerns
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Czech tennis player Tomas Berdych has withdrawn from the Rio Olympics over concerns about the Zika virus, he announced on Twitter Saturday.
Berdych is latest in a number of top tennis players to announced they would forego the games, including recent Wimbledon finalist Milos Raonic and Simona Halep.
“It is because of the Zika virus spread in the country of the Olympics,” Berdych said as he explained why he would not be attending the games. “As I have founded a family recently to limit health risks towards my nearest if the utmost priority.
I apologize to all of you who are disappointed by my decision. I do believe that if you take a deeper account of my reasons you will understand that I have done it out of the responsibility for my family.”
Berdych is currently ranked No. 8 in the world.
